Multiple media sources, including Ticats.ca, have reported that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell have agreed on a 3-year contract. Dave Naylor of TSN has reported that the contract includes a value of just over $500,000 for the 32-year-old quarterback.
The Hamilton-Bo Levi Mitchell Saga started in late November when the Tiger-Cats agreed to trade a 2023 1st-round draft pick, a 2023 3rd-round draft pick, a 2023 6th-round draft pick, and a 2024 2nd round draft pick for the remaining part of Mitchell’s contract which was set to expire at the start of the 2023 free-agency period. In addition, to the rights to Mitchell’s contract, the Tiger-Cats also received Calgary’s 1st round pick in the 2023 draft, and the Stampeder’s 3rd round pick in the 2024 draft.
Obtaining the rights to Mitchell was the in the process for the Tiger-Cats who intended to come to a contract agreement with Bo Levi Mitchell to become the quarterback for the Tiger-Cats. Since that trade Hamilton has worked to convince Mitchell that Hamilton is the best place for him to continue his career and that living in Hamilton is the best fit for Mitchell and his family.
In the months leading up to this announcement, excitement has been building and it did not always seem clear that the Tiger-Cats would be able to convince Mitchell to agree to a contract without first entering the free-agency period. With today’s announcement, all parties are displaying excitement about the potential of a successful relationship between Mitchell and the Tiger-Cats.
In a press conference today, Mitchell said “I am excited and honoured for the opportunity to help deliver a championship to the incredible fans in Hamilton.” Tiger-Cat’s head coach Orlondo Steinauer mentioned that the Tiger-Cats were also excited “Bo Levi has an incredible record of achievements in the Canadian Football League and is a proven champion.”
Mitchell brings a trophy case full of achievements to the Tiger-Cats including being named a CFL Most Outstanding Player from 2016 and 2018, two Grey Cup championships from 2014 and 2018, Grey Cup MVP awards from 2014 and 2018, multiple CFL all-star awards, and the active CFL leader in passing yards with 32,541 yards.
While this contract agreement ends the speculation on Mitchell’s status with the Tiger-Cats, it still leaves several complicating aspects. Hamilton’s quarterback in 2022 was Dane Evans, and with the signing of Bo Levi Mitchell and a contract of over $500,000, it seems that Evan’s run as the Hamilton quarterback has concluded.
Evans is still under-contract so sending Evans to another team will most likely involve a trade, the current speculation is that the Saskatchewan Roughriders could be the team looking to make that trade. Another complication is how Mitchell’s career with the Stampeders ended, with multiple injury issues and with him being benched in favour of a younger player.
Mitchell has indicated that he is healthy and now he has the opportunity to show that he can still be an elite CFL quarterback as he leads the Tiger-Cats offence. After three months of anticipation, Mitchell will now have the opportunity to help lead Hamilton to a Grey Cup championship in 2023, a championship game that will be played in Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field.
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