5 USFL Players That Could Jump Over to the XFL
By Pat Rifino
With NFL cuts many of our favorite USFL players transition to NFL Camp rosters in an attempt to meet their professional football goals. Out of the 51 players who latched on to NFL camp rosters, only 16 are still on Active Rosters and Practice Squads, with a couple more on injured reserve. Right now none of the remaining players have signed with their original USFL teams leaving a ton of former USFL Stars on the Market for XFL teams. Before are 5 players that may transition to the XFL rather than come back to the USFL.
1. Channing Stribling, Cornerback Philadelphia Stars
Stribling has been around pro football since 2017 coming undrafted out of Michigan. He bounced around NFL camps (5 teams), the AAF, the XFL 2.0, the CFL, and was an All-USFL Corner for the Philadelphia Stars. At 27 years old Stribling’s NFL chances may be limited however, he does seem to be able to provide high-quality play at this time in his career. After earning over 108K in the NFL, at this point Stribling may be looking to cement a solid financial base and it appears the XFL offers that over the USFL right now.
2. Sal Cannella, Tight End New Orleans Breakers
Cannella was easily the best Tight End in the USFL in addition to being a Top-5 receiver in the USFL. After missing out with the Packers and Dolphins over the past couple of seasons, it’s clear that Cannella is still on many NFL teams’ shortlists. With the XFL having an earlier start and ending after the NFL draft, coupled by the fact the Breakers are without his Head Coach of 2022, Cannella may want a new change of pace to have a greater chance at seizing another NFL contract.
3. Kyle Sloter, Quarterback New Orleans Breakers
Sloter continues to stay relevant in pro-football circles as the All-USFL Quarterback in 2022, and recently has come out of camp with the Jaguars (7th team). With career earnings of about 1.5 million since being undrafted in 2017, Sloter does have a unique opportunity to join the XFL as they do have the financial means to pay around 500k to certain QBs. With Sloter also older and NFL opportunities most likely becoming more scarce, Sloter would be a prime candidate to bring stability to the XFL.
4. Luis Perez, Quarterback New Jersey Generals
Perez is a staple of spring football and it is only a matter of time that he returns to the XFL. Despite his run as the Generals QB, Mike Riley may be content with moving forward with DeAndre Johnson, DeQuan Neal, and Kyle Lauletta under which grants Perez as possibly an afterthought in “New Jersey”. With the consistent play of Perez, the all-time post 2000 Alt-Football leader in Touchdowns and Passing Yards, will surely be a hot commodity for XFL teams coming into 2023.
5. KJ Costello, Quarterback Philadelphia Stars
In a numbers game, it seems Costello is the odd man out in the USFL. With the Stars, he’s third on the Depth Chart behind Bryan Scott, and Case Cookus (who is actively working out for NFL teams), and it appears the other Seven USFL teams have some continuity at the QB position moving forward. With Costello, it seems that his best chance of playing will come from a new league where there are no presumptive starters. The XFL grants him that luxury coming into 2023.
As the XFL preps for its draft in late 2022, I’m sure many more USFL “defectors” will transition to the XFL 3.0. While both leagues have their advantages I do have to give it to the XFL as far as what presents a better opportunity for players. In addition to a higher salary, the XFL season ends in April of 23 meaning players have an earlier jump to fill out roster spots and recover from weeks of wear and tear. Regardless, it is evident that many USFL will not be back with their original spring teams come 2023.
