Memphis Showboats Re-Sign Another Nine Players In Free Agency | Troy Williams
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Showboats Re-Sign Another Nine Players In Free Agency

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It’s been an interesting week for the Memphis Showboats. They currently do not have a new General Manager or Head Coach in place, yet they’re still re-signing players for the 2025 UFL season. Earlier this week, they brought back six athletes – and have now agreed to terms with nine more.

QB Troy Williams

Troy Williams is the first quarterback to officially re-sign with the Memphis Showboats of the bunch. Williams went into the UFL season as QB2 behind Case Cookus, and ended up starting in a few games throughout the year.

Williams formerly spent the 2023 USFL season with the Pittsburgh Maulers, helping lead that team to the Championship that year. Troy never got a full opportunity to take full control in Memphis, as Case Cookus was the primary QB1 – and Josh Love took the reins the last couple of weeks.

Troy threw for 591 yards and five touchdowns this year, also throwing five interceptions. He struggled to protect the ball, and also had a tough time with accuracy, completing just 55% of his passes. Williams does have plenty of upside, though, especially with his dual threat capabilities. At the same time, the Showboats should probably look at some other candidates for the QB1 job in 2025.

RB Titus Swen

Titus Swen was an offseason addition for Memphis, as a free agent signing. He primarily played behind Darius Victor in the backfield, starting in just one game this year. Swen posted 75 rushing yards on 26 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Titus also caught 13 passes for 69 yards out of the backfield. He’s someone who did make an impact when given the rock, on special teams as well. It’s tough to see him having true RB1 potential, but Swen is a depth piece who should have an opportunity to make this roster next season.

WR Dee Anderson

One of the Breakers who came over to Memphis with John DeFilippo was WR Dee Anderson. Interestingly enough, he didn’t get to see the field too much, recording just eight catches in 2024. Anderson was quite effective in that span, though, totaling 142 receiving yards and a touchdown. Anderson also converted on a two point conversion this season. In the six games he played in this year, Dee had an 88.9 Offensive Grade via PFF – one of the highest grades of any Memphis player.

TE Jay Jay Wilson

Jay Jay Wilson was one of the Showboats who stuck around under the DeFilippo regime. In 2023, he caught 16 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown when the team was under Todd Haley’s leadership. Wilson was arguably TE1 for Memphis that season.

With some of the talent acquired in the USFL-XFL merger, Jay Jay’s role diminished in 2024. He was a key piece on special teams, but wasn’t utilized as much in the passing game, recording just three catches for 30 yards. If Sage Surratt doesn’t return, though, Jay Jay could be in a position to see his role increase once again.

OG Darrin Paulo

Darrin Paulo originally joined this organization in 2022, when they were the Tampa Bay Bandits. He played in one game that year, and then proceeded to earn an NFL practice squad opportunity with the Detroit Lions.

In 2024, Paulo returned to spring football, signing back to Memphis. He started in all 10 games this past season, with nine starts at left guard, and one start at left tackle. His PFF grades weren’t too hot this year, which can be said for most of Memphis’ offensive line. Paulo is someone who could get the boot when new management officially gets put in place.

C Jordan McCray

As one of spring football’s longest tenured veterans, Jordan McCray looks to return to Memphis in 2025. McCray started his pro career in the AAF, with the Orlando Apollos – starting all eight games for them that season.

In the XFL’s 2020 season, McCray joined the Tampa Bay Vipers, starting five outings before the season was cut short due to COVID-19. McCray proceeded to sign with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL for their first Championship run, starting in every game at center.

In 2023, McCray made the move to Memphis after his release from the Stallions. He showcased his versatility there, starting in seven games at left guard. The adjustments continued for Jordan this season with the Showboats, making several starts at right guard this time around. He’s a versatile offensive linemen with plenty of experience, providing veteran leadership in the locker room.

OLB Tyshun Render

Tyshun Render began his spring journey in the USFL last year, with the New Jersey Generals. He was having an excellent season, with 15 tackles and 3.5 sacks, starting the first six games. Unfortunately, an injury cut his campaign short in New Jersey.

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With the Memphis Showboats, Render was primarily a depth piece defensively. He saw action in nine games this year, making one start. Tyshun posted 19 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2024. A healthy Render is a solid defender, and one would hope he can see some more minutes on the field in 2025 to showcase his full skillsets.

DB Kyree Woods

Kyree Woods burst onto the scene last year with the Memphis Showboats, dominating the USFL before a season-ending injury knocked him out. Woods was the highest graded player in the USFL via PFF for the first six weeks, racking up 19 tackles and two interceptions.

In the UFL this year, Kyree started in every game for Memphis. He posted 40 tackles and two PBU’s, with a 62.8 Defensive Grade via PFF. One of Kyree’s struggles early in the season was giving up touchdowns, allowing four in the first four games. After that, Woods didn’t allow a score.

S Jarey Elder

Jarey Elder is another example of a spring veteran who had a solid year in the UFL, but wasn’t on a good team. He began his career with the New Orleans Breakers, totaling 94 tackles and an interception across two seasons there.

Elder made the jump to Memphis with DeFilippo at the helm, starting in nine games at free safety. Jarey had 39 tackles and a PBU this season. It’s not surprising to see Elder re-sign with the Showboats, but we’ll have to see if he can actually stick around under the new leadership, whenever that gets done.

Final Thoughts

It’s a very weird dynamic right now for Memphis. The league’s front office appears to be re-signing these players for the team, as we’re told that there is still no HC or GM in place. It presents a tough scenario, as whoever joins the UFL might end up cutting a bunch of these athletes for their own guys. Time will tell. That said, hopefully it’s sooner than later that we see Memphis get the right personnel in place.

What are your thoughts on Troy Williams returning to this Memphis Showboats offense? Which defensive players are you excited to see in 2025? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord!

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James Larsen
Growing up, football was one of the few things that brought me joy. It's always played a major role in my life, and continues to do so. As I've delved into sports reporting/writing, spring football has become my passion. Covering the XFL & USFL is a dream come true, and I look forward to plenty of excellent seasons in the years to come.
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  1. Most of these are good signings or at least camp invites. I don’t know much about Swen and Woods so I can’t really comment, but Jarey Elder needs to be there. He has earned the right to continue being the guy. For me to see him out off the Boats, I would need to see someone doing it better. Jay Jay has the tools to be a real good one. Does he have the head? This needs to be figured out on camp. Tyshun Render is a great rotational piece. I have observed him from his Generals days, where he chases down quarterbacks, while keeping his responsibilities. Definitely a B+ when given the opportunity to lay it all out there then rest and cheer Ma’tafa getting ready to spell him. Ted Cottrell is likely the best DC in this league and if he wants a job should be given it. I still want he and Riley to be in New Jersey next year, but if not I would be happy to root them on again, here in Memphis. Just give them some night games. Dee Anderson has potential and is a good signing. I have seem him burst seemingly from nowhere with the ball and a full head of steam. Now to make this consistently happen. Troy Williams is definitely worth signing if he is willing to stay. I have watched him closely while judging the Morgan vs Williams QB race. As much as I wanted to truly see Morgan get a full shot, it was Williams who earned it. He has only continued to get better, even if last years numbers didn’t show it and I saw a hole in that armor. That stated his upside is still there. Keep that confidence and humility. It’s a fine line, but he walks it and give him a strong football team. If he were the Generals starting QB in 2023, they would have been in the finals.
    There is also some question as to who will be available so there maybe some signings the league should stay away from, but I can’t see how bringing Vinny Papale, Greg Reaves, DJ Daniel should not be given offers and give healthy Matt Coghlin and Matt White a place to camp. Personally, I still love Case Cookus, but I think as there are sometimes only 3 QBs, they may want to discuss this with the new regime.

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