Bo Levi Mitchell’s signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was the first domino to fall in the quarterback market this off-season in the Canadian Football League (CFL). With Mitchell now leading the way in Steel Town, eyes across the league will turn to Trevor Harris and his decision with free agency just around the corner.
Harris was a guest on Tuesday’s edition of the SportsCage. The quarterback spent last season with the Montreal Alouettes after being acquired from Edmonton late in the 2021 season.
He took over from Vernon Adams Jr as the Alouettes starting quarterback last season and would finish third in the league in passing yards (4,157). Harris is scheduled to become a free agent on February 14 but can start speaking with other teams across the CFL on Sunday.
Even though he has an uncertain future in Montreal, Harris gave praise to the team’s general manager, Danny Maciocia and new head coach Jason Maas.
“I love those guys so much, I have so much respect for them.”
He added that he has spoken with Alouettes management and is working on a plan to be on the same page with the team ahead of free agency.
Along with his stints with Montreal and Edmonton, the quarterback has spent time with Ottawa and Toronto.
Whether he stays in Montreal or joins a new team this season, he is looking to become a positive force inside a team’s locker room.
“And that’s really where I have been my whole life, is gearing towards how can I influence and impact my teammates in a great way.”
When the season begins in June, Harris will be 37 years old, but despite his age, the quarterback feels fresh and believes he has less wear and tear on his body compared to other players his age.
“I hope people can stop looking at the number next to my age and let my play do the talking.”
Tom Brady announced his retirement on Wednesday morning, which ends the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s career at age 45. Harris said he models his training and preparation methods after Brady.
“I don’t want my play to dictate when I’m done playing football, I want that to be, when I’m not mentally or not physically wanting to do the work anymore.” said the 11-year CFL veteran.
When he was working with Khari Jones in Montreal last season, the 37-year-old said his former coach gave him advice on when to leave the game.
“Just keep going and don’t let anybody tell you when you’re done, you tell everyone when you’re done, ” was the message Jones told his former quarterback.
Harris said the current offensive coordinator for the Ottawa REDBLACKS had a big impact on his career.
Harris will join a quarterback group in free agency that could include Cody Fajardo and McLeod Bethel-Thompson, if he does not agree to terms with the Alouettes before February 14.
