The XFL’s 2023 season is over, but for several players in the league, their next football season is just beginning. Several XFL players have already signed with NFL teams trying to fill their 90-man rosters ahead of training camp.
Despite a 4-6 record during the regular season, Bob Stoops’ Arlington Renegades won the XFL Championship this year after upset the DC Defenders in the title game. The difference maker in Arlington’s 35-26 upset was the play of quarterback Luis Perez, who was actually traded to the Renegades from the Vegas Vipers during the regular season. Perez threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game.
At the time of writing, Perez has yet to be signed by an NFL team. While he continues to wait, here’s a rundown of the XFL players who have already joined the NFL rosters since the end of the XFL season.
Atlanta Falcons
- OT Barry Wesley: The former Sea Dragons lineman joins the Falcons’ revamped roster. The 6-foot-7 Wesley is a versatile player who played four different positions on Colorado State’s offensive line during his college career.
- DL LaCale London: A member of the Bears from 2020-22, Landon is back in the NFL after a solid season as a member of the St. Louis BattleHawks. He was named Defensive Player of the Week after recording a pair of forced fumbles in a win over the Sea Dragons.
- S Lukas Denis: Dennis was signed by Atlanta after intercepting two passes and recording 37 tackles for St. Louis. Dennis, a former college standout at Boston College, grabbed seven passes during his junior season with the Eagles.
Carolina Panthers
- DL Antwuan Jackson Jr.:The former Ohio State Buckeye recorded 20 tackles in nine games for the Sea Dragons.
- W. R. Gary Jennings: Jennings played in West Virginia before playing with the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks. He was on the 2021 Indianapolis Colts offseason roster.
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OLB/TE Jordan Thomas: Thomas spent time with Frank Reich in the 2021 Indianapolis Colts camp. The Panthers had Thomas train as a linebacker and tight end. He joined the NFL in 2020 and had 20 catches for 215 yards and four touchdowns that year.
The Denver Broncos
- QB Ben DiNucci: The former Cowboys quarterback signs with the Broncos after participating in Denver’s mini camp. according to ESPN. DiNucci joins the Broncos after leading the XFL in passing yards and touchdown passes while helping the Sea Dragons clinch a berth in the XFL playoffs.
- RB Jacques Patrick: Sean Payton gets a big boost in Patrick, who joins the Broncos team (via 9News). The 6-3, 234-pound running back was second in the XFL in rushing during the regular season with 443 yards on 115 carries. He is also capable of playing fullback.
Detroit lions
- K. John Parker Romo: Romo, who briefly spent time with the Saints last summer, is back in the NFL having hit 17 of his 19 field goal attempts – with 57 yards out – during his time with the XFL’s Brahmas.
Miami dolphins
- DB Bryce Thompson: Thompson joins the Dolphins after intercepting a few passes ahead of the Sea Dragons. Thompson played collegiately at Tennessee before being snapped up by the Saints as an undrafted rookie. Ironically, Thompson’s NFL regular season debut came against Miami in Week 16 of the 2021 season.
Saints of New Orleans
- DL Niko Lalos: Lalos is back in New Orleans after spending part of the 2022 season with the club. Lalos spent the last XFL season with the Sea Dragons, recording 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception in 10 games.
- DL Jack Heflin: Helflin, who will join Dennis Allen’s tough defense in New Orleans, spent the past XFL season with the Houston Roughnecks. He recently played in the NFL as a member of the Packers and Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
- WR Charleston Rambo: Rambo was with the Orlando Guardians during his time in the XFL and had 35 receptions for 430 yards and three touchdowns. He was invited to rookie minicamp and made the 90-man roster.
Seattle Seahawks
- DL Austin Faoliu: Faoliu resides in Seattle after playing for the Sea Dragons last XFL season. Faoliu, who enjoyed a solid college career with Oregon, is making his second go-round in the NFL after spending the 2021 season with the Cowboys.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- DL CJ Brewer: A former Coastal Carolina standout, Brewer is back in the NFL after spending part of the 2022 season with the Bills. Brewer had 2.5 sacks and 17 tackles last season with the Houston Roughnecks.