Just as USFL free agency is about to be put on hold, the Michigan Panthers re-signed DE Breeland Speaks – and also added DT Daniel Wise to the roster. These are two big moves for Michigan ahead of the impending merger.
Free Agent Signings:
• DE Breeland Speaks
• DT Daniel Wise, Kansas— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) December 20, 2023
DE Breeland Speaks
The USFL sacks leader is back in town. Breeland Speaks has re-signed with the team, just in the nick of time to secure a roster spot before things get crazy.
Breeland Speaks is having a monster outing for the @USFLPanthers today.
The former NFL standout is making an impact in the #USFL. It's safe to say you'll hear @Bspeaks9 name called quite a bit this season. pic.twitter.com/Wioa8aYCEb
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 16, 2023
Speaks was an absolute beast in the league this year. The Panthers defense was elite, largely due to the efforts of Breeland up front. Speaks finished the 2023 season with 53 tackles, six TFL, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Following his USFL success, Breeland had an NFL stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Speaks was one of many players who used the USFL to get another opportunity in the NFL. Speaks was originally with the Kansas City Chiefs coming out of college, posting 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2018.
Breeland Speaks, Sacks Leader, doing what he does best 😎 @Bspeaks9 pic.twitter.com/BkNcQX858M
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 4, 2023
Mike Nolan’s defense is in excellent shape with the return of Breeland Speaks. If all goes according to plan, don’t be surprised if he leads the new league in sacks.
DT Daniel Wise
The Panthers also picked up DT Daniel Wise, who brings depth to their defensive line. Daniel had a tremendous career at Kansas, registering 152 tackles and 16 sacks during his career there.
Nine of his sacks came in his final two seasons in college, and he also forced two fumbles during that tenure.
Daniel Wise, the brother of New England Patriots DE Deatrich Wise Jr., showed out for the Kansas Jayhawks, tagging on 102 tackles, 43 TFL, 17 sacks and 2 PD in 42 games. His 6'3", 285 lb frame makes him a lethal run stopper.
(Via @Stadium) pic.twitter.com/wh9EYgIVHZ
— Michigan Panthers Dude (@MIPanthersDude) December 20, 2023
From there, Daniel spent time in the NFL with a few organizations. Most of his playing time came in Washington, where Wise notched 10 tackles in six games with the Commanders.
Most recently, he was with the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp. Now, Daniel Wise lands with the Michigan Panthers for the 2024 UFL season.
Final Thoughts
It’s an interesting era for the Michigan Panthers right now. The USFL-XFL merger is basically complete, and the Panthers are a team who have been confirmed to be a part of the new league.
General Manager Steve Kazor will have some decisions to make in the upcoming dispersal draft. It appears as if teams can protect up to 42 players under contract, which means that some athletes will be sent into that draft.
In addition, the team will have to continue their search for a quarterback. E.J. Perry had re-signed on Monday night, just to abruptly sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad hours later.
Are you excited to have Breeland Speaks back in Michigan? Will Daniel Wise make the Panthers final roster? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
