The XFL is making major strides forward to their official kickoff, slated for February. The league announced that their official draft would be taking place this week, starting with quarterbacks tomorrow.
As previously reported, the XFL has a current pool of quarterbacks, most of which will be officially placed onto teams tomorrow. According to ESPN, a total of 13 QBs are a part of the initial pool:
XFL NEWS: 13 quarterbacks will be assigned to @XFL2023 franchises tomorrow, per Kevin Seifert (@ESPN). Most of these QB's worked with Jordan Palmer to prepare themselves for the #XFL.
Here is the official list: pic.twitter.com/OOBKqtvp9s
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) November 14, 2022
Some interesting names have surfaced for the XFL over the past couple of months. Another one has been added to the fold, as Ben DiNucci will be joining the pool. The former Dallas Cowboy has been searching for another opportunity, and now will be placed onto an XFL roster this week.
Since this morning’s report from ESPN, another development has taken place. D’Eriq King, one of the XFL’s top prospects, has signed a practice squad deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers signing former @UHCougarFB quarterback D'Eriq King @Deriqking__ to their practice squad, per agent Scott Casterline @ScottCasterline 'We're excited to announce D'Eriq King has signed a practice squad contract with the Panthers'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 14, 2022
XFL Quarterbacks Pool
That leaves us with twelve QB’s, who are currently:
1) Ben DiNucci
2) Quinten Dormady
3) Eric Dungey
4) Kaleb Eleby
5) Deondre Francois
6) Jalen McClendon
7) Steven Montez
8) Jawon Pass
9) Drew Plitt
10) Anthony Russo
11) Brandon Silvers
12) Ryan Willis
Several of these names are quite familiar. Ryan Willis, Brandon Silvers, Eric Dungey, and Deondre Francois have all participated in spring leagues (XFL, AAF, TSL, FCF, etc.) – and are no strangers to the world of spring football.
Final Thoughts
Doug Whaley quotes that the league is currently pursuing a couple types of quarterbacks. On one hand, they want to give players who never made it to the NFL an opportunity to showcase their talents. On the other hand, the league also wants to feature NFL practice squad QBs who need a chance to lead a professional team of their own.
There are plenty of other quarterbacks who will make their way to the XFL. This is just the first wave. Expect more names to make themselves known soon, as each team is aiming for at least three active QBs on the roster.
The XFL will be live-streaming the official QB designation event tomorrow, on their website at 2pm EST. Make sure to tune in, so you can see who ends up on your team!
Which XFL quarterbacks do you think will outperform others? Is there a QB you want to see play for your team? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
