USFL Fallout What's Next?

By Pat Rifino

After doing the XFL recap of players still on NFL rosters it’s only fitting we dive into the fallout of players from the 2022 “inaugural” USFL season. Prior to training camp, 51 players were signed to NFL rosters and took part in the 2022 pre-season. Upon the beginning of the season Breakers kicker, Taylor Bartolet was signed by the Carolina Panthers bringing the total to 52. At the end of training camp, only one player remained on an active roster, while 15 players latched on to practice squads. Below are those who made the cut:

*Note this article was penned on September 14, 2022.

Active Roster

KaVontae Turpin Wide Receiver New Jersey Generals

Dallas Cowboys

The USFL MVP burst onto the scene after “character issues” derailed his NFL career coming out of TCU. Turpin’s path to NFL traced across the IFL, FCF, TSL, ELF, and the USFL before signing a 3-year deal with the Cowboys. Turpin wowed in the Pre-Season for the Cowboys returning two touchdowns and solidifying himself as the Cowboys’ premier return man. In his NFL debut Turpin totaled 80 return yards and played two snaps on Offense in Week 1.

Micah Abernathy Safety Houston Gamblers 

Green Bay Packers

During week 1 Abernathy made his NFL debut after his pro experience with the XFL and USFL. Originally selected to the initial-53 Abernathy was cut and then re-signed to the practice squad before week 1. Abernathy had bounced around the NFL before fully coming into stride with the Gamblers this year and now looks to have the opportunity to play a decent amount for the Panthers in the 2022 season.

Practice Squad/Not Elevated For Week 1

Victor Bolden Wide Receiver Birmingham Stallions (*Victor Bolden was released from the Cardinal’s roster on 9/20 with an injury settlement.)

Arizona Cardinals

Bolden is a veteran of 15 NFL games, and will probably have a chance to see the field in 2022 for the Cardinals. Bolden was the USFL championship MVP and All-USFL selection for the Championship Stallions, before signing with the Cardinals in August. Bolden seems to be in decent shape as the Cardinals currently are dealing with injuries at Wide Receiver in addition to the suspension of DeAndre Hopkins.

Isaiah Zuber Wide Receiver Houston Gamblers

Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels praised the USFL and its talent as the head coach would keep two players on his practice squad come week 1. Zuber, an NFL veteran of four games, led the USFL in touchdowns in 2022. Despite a strong Pre-season Zuber was cut, however, remains an option as currently, Hunter Renfrow remains the lone option for the return game.

Ike Brown Defensive Back New Orleans Breakers 

Las Vegas Raiders

Brown was the 2nd USFL alumnus to join Josh McDaniels after getting cut before week 1. Brown had a short stint with the Bills before transitioning to the USFL in 2022 where he was the star of the Breakers secondary recording two ints for 98 yards and 1 touchdown.

Jeremiah Pharms Defensive Line Pittsburgh Maulers

New England Patriots

Pharms is another Indoor football player who used the USFL to “make it” to the NFL. Pharms was originally a member of the Wichita Force after being undrafted out of Friends College in 2019. After leaving the Force in 2021, Pharms joined the Maulers and is one of three Maulers to make an NFL practice squad going into 2022.

Carlo Kemp Defensive Line Pittsburgh Maulers

Los Angeles Chargers

The Nephew of the Paganos, Kemp bounced around some NFL practice squads before joining the USFL. While with the Maulers Kemp totaled five sacks which led to an opportunity with the Chargers. Despite getting cut Kemp managed to find his way onto the Practice Squad and has the opportunity to learn from elite pass rushers like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. 

Domenique Davis Defensive Line Houston Gamblers

Cincinnati Bengals

Davis was an underrated cog in a Defensive Line that included Chris Odom and Ahmad Gooden for the Gamblers. Davis after spending 2021 in The Spring League totaled 54 tackles as an interior defensive lineman en route to his first training camp with the Bengals.

Tegray Scales Linebacker Houston Gamblers

Cincinnati Bengals

A late-season USFL addition, Scales, didn’t record any stats for the Gamblers in 2022, however, is an XFL and NFL veteran. Scales started two games for the Renegades in 2020 and has played in four career NFL games. 

Alex Akingbulu Offensive Line Philadelphia Stars

Washington Commanders 

Akingbulu used the USFL to up his draft stock and help him transition to the NFL. Originally undrafted out of Fresno State in this May’s draft Akingbulu latched on late with the Stars right before their playoff push. Akingbulu would then earn a contract with the Commanders where he showed enough promise to make their practice squad for 2022.

Darrius Shepherd Wide Receiver New Jersey Generals 

Denver Broncos

Shepherd is a veteran of 14 NFL games and recorded 6 receptions from future hall of famer Aaron Rodgers. Shepherd would become a pivotal piece in the Generals’ offense that included KaVontae Turpin, Darius Victor, and Luis Perez, as he impressed the Broncos staff enough to earn another shot in the NFL.

Tae Haynes Cornerback Birmingham Stallions

Carolina Panthers

An UDFA in 2019 Haynes was on 5 different teams before joining the USFL. As Haynes already had NFL experience his time in the USFL was used to solidify the fact he was an NFL-caliber player.

DeMarquis Gates Linebacker Birmingham Stallions

Chicago Bears

It was only a matter of time but Gates was able to stick this time around. A veteran of 27 professional games, Gates has spent time in the AAF, XFL, CFL, and USFL before joining the Bears. Gates was seen by some as an afterthought due to be a bit older, but the All-XFL/All-USFL Linebacker seems to have his first “fair shot” in the NFL

TJ Carter Defensive Line Michigan Panthers

LA Rams

Carter was one of the first USFL players to get cut, however, after his release from the Saints managed to link up with the Rams in the middle of August. Carter, an interior lineman, managed to show capable run-stopping ability as the Rams with an already deep defensive line felt that he was good enough to keep on their practice squad.

Ramiz Ahmad Kicker Pittsburgh Maulers

Green Bay Packers

Ahmad was named USFL Special Teams Player of the Week twice in 2022 and was signed with the possibility of being the week 1 kicker due to a Mason Crosby injury. Despite a strong pre-season, Ahmad was cut due to Mason Crosby being deemed healthy, and now has the opportunity to stay relevant with the NFL by remaining with the Packers.

Maurice Alexander Wide Receiver Philadelphia Stars

Detroit Lions

Originally a QB from FIU, Alexander was an All-USFL returner who had never had a professional opportunity prior to the USFL. After a decent camp, Alexander was released but given a chance to come back on the practice squad for the Lions.

Taylor Bertolet Kicker New Orleans Breakers

Carolina Panthers

Bertolet was a late-season addition, who had stints in the AAF and CFL before joining the USFL. Bertolet has remained relevant in NFL circles for kickers as he is constantly seen on teams’ shortlists for workouts. Despite missing the NFL training camp Bertolet was picked up by the Panthers upon an injury to Zane Gonzalez as a reserve for Eddy Pinerio who is also a late pre-season pick-up.

Honorable Mention

Chris Odom: The USFL Defensive Player of the Year looked like a lock to make the Browns, however, is now on the IR due to a knee injury.

Darrin Paulo: Paulo was back and forth with a couple of NFL squads earning about 250k over the last 2 seasons. Paulo would get cut at the end of the pre-season however, was re-signed on the 7th of September only to be cut hours later.