EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos released veteran quarterback Jason Maas on Tuesday.
Maas has spent most of his 11 CFL seasons with Edmonton, and played a key role in the Eskimos’ run to the 2005 Grey Cup championship. He came off the bench to engineer game-winning drives in the West semifinal and final that year.
“Jason departs with our profound gratitude and respect,” Eskimos GM Eric Tillman said in a release.
“From his toughness to his absolute dedication, Jason has been the epitome of a pro. We were hoping that he would retire as an Eskimo, but the competitive fires are still burning strongly within and Jason wants to continue playing this game he loves so much, if possible.”
The Oregon State product was a CFL West all-star in 2001 and Edmonton’s nominee for the CFL outstanding player award in 2001 and 2004.
Maas was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats following the 2005 Grey Cup victory, and was then traded to Montreal in September 2007, dressing for nine games and the East semifinal.
He was released the following season, returning to Edmonton in 2008. Maas dressed for all 18 games in 2010 as backup quarterback.