Article content

And then there were three.

The search for a third-string quarterback to replace the retired Jordan Lynch is all but over.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Eskimos release quarterback Brett Smith Back to video

The Eskimos cut ties with Brett Smith on Sunday.

“We made a decision based on performance in practice,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas. “We were excited about some other guys down south that we had in our mini-camp.”

Suggesting Smith’s spot will likely be replaced by a negotiation-list call-up before the completion of training camp.

Considering fellow off-season signee Danny O’Brien has spent training camp holding on place kicks – a job designated for third-stringers – it appeared Smith was trailing in the quarterback hierarchy out of the gates.

“Between Danny and Brett, we thought Danny was playing a bit better,” Maas said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t get Brett into a game but based on our evaluations of practice we felt like we could go another direction.”

The closest Smith got was running four of 18 offensive series in Friday’s mini-game, each of which ended with the punt team taking the field.