Mitchell reflects on Stamps tenure after playoff loss: 'An amazing ride'

Bo Levi Mitchell almost gave the Calgary Stampeders one last thrill on his way out of town.

Mitchell's relief appearance of Jake Maier in Sunday's West Division semifinal against the BC Lions featured a surprise vintage performance from the gunslinger, although it wasn't enough to save his team's season. While he looked more like his old, gunslinging self in the 30-16 loss, the 32-year-old recognized that it was probably his last hurrah in a Stampeders uniform.

Mitchell lost his starting job to Maier earlier this summer amid early-season struggles, and the team quickly rewarded Maier with a two-year extension. That signing signaled the team will likely move on from the two-time MOP when he becomes a free agent in February.

"The writing's on the wall (when) you pay another guy," Mitchell said after Sunday's loss when asked about his future, according to Danny Austin of the Calgary Sun.

Mitchell's final Stampeders appearance was expected to be last week's late-game cameo at McMahon Stadium, but Maier's struggles thrust him into game action on Sunday for the first time since August. He showed no rust, throwing for 147 yards - nine more than Maier - while setting up a pair of late Stampeders scores.

Although he knows the Calgary chapter of his CFL career is over, Mitchell - the Stamps' all-time leader in passing yards and a two-time Grey Cup champion - took a positive tone while reflecting on his decade in Cowtown.

"It's been an amazing ride and amazing chapter for that part of my career," Mitchell said, according to TSN's Farhan Lalji. "Very appreciative of (head coach Dave Dickenson) and (general manager John Hufnagel)."