In a significant move reflecting the fluidity between XFL and NFL, the Arlington Renegades announced today that their defensive stalwart, Darren Evans, has inked a contract with the New York Giants. This latest career elevation for Evans emphasizes the dynamic platform that the XFL continues to provide for its athletes.
Evans, an outstanding defensive back, is the 31st XFL talent to pen an NFL contract following the recent XFL season, and the second Renegade to do so. The other Renegade making the leap to the NFL is linebacker Willie Taylor, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native made a significant impact during the Renegades’ successful run in the 2023 XFL Championship, where he played in all 12 games and recorded a season-high 5 tackles in the title match. With a robust college football career at Nicholls State and LSU under his belt, and a brief 2022 stint with the Giants as an undrafted free agent, Evans’ transition back to the NFL feels like a homecoming.
One of the season’s pivotal moments that exemplified Evans’ defensive prowess was his game-sealing interception against the San Antonio Brahmas. As the clock ticked down, Evans intercepted a pass from Jack Coan, a crucial move that secured a critical away win for Arlington.
His return to the Giants comes amid a wave of injuries on the team, and Evans is seen as a viable replacement. He’s no stranger to NFL interest, as he also received an invite to the Seattle Seahawks Mini-Camp post-XFL season.
The Arlington Renegades will retain the rights to Evans, underlining the ongoing connection between the XFL and its athletes. Evans’ transition to the NFL is another testament to the XFL’s potential as a launching pad for football careers, with 31 of its players now on NFL rosters since the season’s end.
