The New Orleans Breakers have released QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson just weeks after their USFL season came to a close. This move isn’t extremely surprising, considering the rumors swirling around his situation over the past couple of weeks.
Amidst the McLeod Bethel-Thompson rumors, the #USFL passing yards leader is no longer listed on the @USFLBreakers roster (h/t @Thornbush2002).
Usually this means that the player was released…could we see MBT back in the CFL, or possibly the NFL? 👀
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 11, 2023
After the reports originally surfaced surrounding Bethel-Thompson being ousted from the roster on the website, the team officially announced his release today:
Released:
QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) July 11, 2023
USFL Career
McLeod Bethel-Thompson was one of the top QB’s in the USFL this year. The savvy veteran led the New Orleans Breakers to a 7-3 record and a playoff berth. In the process, he set a modern USFL record for passing yards, leading the league in that category in 2023.
After a slower start to the season, Johnnie Dixon has been outstanding for the @USFLBreakers. His second TD of the day puts New Orleans on top 21-0.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson has this team rolling right now. #USFL | @YoungKing_JD5 pic.twitter.com/NLWUgHufZp
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 4, 2023
Throughout the season, Bethel-Thompson was a reliable leader for Coach John DeFilippo. The two had previously worked together several years ago with the Philadelphia Eagles, and that chemistry carried over into the USFL.
While the team fell short of the ultimate goal, New Orleans was always a threat due to the high-powered offense run by McLeod Bethel-Thompson. He finished the season with 2,433 passing yards, alongside 14 touchdowns.
Jonathan Adams has had his fair share of impressive catches in the #USFL over the past two seasons.
He's got another highlight to add to that reel, as @ItsJayAdams makes a fantastic adjustment on a throw from McLeod Bethel-Thompson for an early lead. pic.twitter.com/xvh0nvIsEt
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 25, 2023
Final Thoughts
As of right now, the scenario surrounding MBT is a bit murky. With the CFL’s instability at the quarterback position, the former two-time Grey Cup Champion is back on the market. Rumors have made their way around the alternative football community as of late, regarding whether or not McLeod makes his way back up North.
While anything is possible, one would assume that Bethel-Thompson is also keeping his eyes on potentially landing in an NFL camp. Reports suggest that he’s currently keeping his options open.
I’m led to believe @The_Real_McLeod’s release by his @USFL team is necessary for him to entertain conversations with @CFL teams but is not indicative of an imminent return to the league. He’s still hoping to get into an @NFL camp. #CFL
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 11, 2023
In addition, a future return to the USFL is not out of the question, either. Bethel-Thompson could always play minutes in the CFL/NFL, and make his way back to the Breakers – or another franchise – before season three. Time will tell.
We thoroughly enjoyed watching McLeod Bethel-Thompson with the New Orleans Breakers in USFL season two, and wish him nothing but the best moving forward in his professional career.
What are your thoughts on the McLeod Bethel-Thompson situation? Who will the Breakers QB be next year? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
