Hamilton Tiger-Cats and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell agree to a three-year contract

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell agreed to a three-year contract through the 2025 season on Tuesday. According to TSN CFL writer Dave Naylor, Mitchell will make $500,000 per season.

The 32-year-old from Katy, Texas, completed 160 of 261 passes (61.3%) for 2,010 yards, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, and seven carries for 26 yards in 18 games, starting nine of them.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to help deliver a championship to the incredible fans in Hamilton,” said Mitchell. “This is an excellent organization that goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has what they need to be successful and I have the utmost faith in Coach O, his staff, and all the elite players on the roster. I look forward to earning my place in the locker room and being a part of something that I believe can be very special. I can’t wait to get to work.”

The Ticats acquired Mitchell from the Calgary Stampeders in November for a 2023 third-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and future considerations.

In the 2022 season, Mitchell became the team’s all-time passing leader in a Week 10 game against the BC Lions. A week later, he was benched for Jake Maier after throwing two interceptions. Mitchell’s last game came in the Western Semi-Final against the BC Lions.

“Bo Levi has an incredible record of achievements in the Canadian Football League and is a proven champion,” said Orlondo Steinauer, President of Football Operations & Head Coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “Throughout the process, it became clear that Bo, both as a person and as a player, would be an excellent fit for our organization and we are excited to welcome Bo Levi, Madison, and their two children to the city of Hamilton and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club.”

Mitchell spent his entire 11-year career in Calgary with 2,496 of 3,866 completions for 32,541 yards, which set a new franchise record, along with 188 touchdowns, 89 interceptions, 169 carries for 772 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 165 games.

In addition, Mitchell won two Grey Cup championships (2014, 2018), two-time Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player Award, three-time CFL West All-Star (2015, 2016, 2018), and two-time CFL All-Star (2016, 2018). 

Collegiately, Mitchell played two seasons at SMU (2008-09) with 385 of 676 completions for 4,590 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions in 21 games. Then, Mitchell transferred to Eastern Washington (2010-11) with 618 of 1,008 completions for 7,505 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 26 games.

He led the Eagles to a come-from-behind win over the Delaware Blue Hens in the 2011 FCS Championship game 20-19 to win the school’s first national championship.