The first move of USFL free agency is official: the Philadelphia Stars have re-signed WR Chris Rowland for the 2024 season. This may not have been exactly what some would have expected as the first signing in free agency, but it’s an important move nonetheless.
The Philadelphia Stars have re-signed WR Chris Rowland, just hours after the free agency market opened.
Rowland has consistently been one of the @USFLStars top playmakers on offense & special teams. However, an injury sidelined him for most of the 2023 #USFL season. pic.twitter.com/HxbsM1KH3w
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) October 2, 2023
Chris Rowland has been an integral piece to the Stars offense through the first two USFL seasons. He made an impact during the 2022 season, racking up 215 receiving yards and a touchdown.
During the USFL Championship game, Rowland hauled in a clutch touchdown reception that put Philadelphia back into the affair.
Not so fast…@kj_costello hung tough in the pocket to find @crowland30
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/44T0489jq4
— Philadelphia Stars (@USFLStars) July 4, 2022
In 2023, things went a bit differently for Chris. He only played in three games, being placed on season-ending IR early on. Rowland finished the year with 83 receiving yards, and scored the first touchdown of the 2023 season for Philadelphia.
We have our first @USFL touchdown in season two! No surprise, @CaptainCookus10 picks up right where he left off: throwing touchdowns, this one to @crowland30.
Excellent first drive for the @USFLStars, & they lead 7-0 after the Cookus-Rowland score. #USFLpic.twitter.com/vr2niGwfrC
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 15, 2023
Where Chris Rowland made an exceptional mark was on special teams. In just three games, he returned 13 kicks for 323 total yards, with a long of 47.
Chris will look to bounce back in 2024, and is bound to have a breakout campaign as long as he stays fully healthy.
Final Thoughts
So far, General Manager Michael Woods has re-signed, or signed the following players:
WR Jordan Suell
OL Jacob Burton
OT Jordan Steckler
OG Warren Ericson
DT Auzoyah Alufohai
DT Cedrick Lattimore
DE Adam Rodriguez
LB Gabriel Sewell Jr.
K Luis Aguilar
LS Ryan Navarro
What are your thoughts on Chris Rowland re-signing with the Philadelphia Stars? Which USFL prospects should the team pursue next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
