In an exciting development for the XFL, two more of its standout players have made the transition to the NFL. Chris Blair, the dynamic wide receiver from the D.C. Defenders, has signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons, while San Antonio Brahmas’ formidable defensive lineman Kobe Smith has penned a deal with the New York Giants.
This brings the tally of XFL players who have earned NFL contracts this year to 29, nine of whom have earned the coveted All-XFL Team honors.
The XFL, which has branded itself as “the league of opportunity,” is certainly living up to its mantra. Since the conclusion of its regular season, 108 XFL players have been invited to NFL camps or have held individual workouts with NFL teams. This is a significant milestone for the league, which aims to offer a platform for players to showcase their skills and potentially move on to the NFL.
The official signing period began on May 15, with XFL players able to enter into contracts with NFL teams. The terms of the contracts ensure that should the players opt to return to the XFL in the future, they would resume playing for their former teams.
Chris Blair’s signing with the Atlanta Falcons is particularly noteworthy. As a wide receiver for the D.C. Defenders, his impressive catches and agility on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Falcons are likely expecting him to bring the same level of energy and versatility to their offensive line-up.
On the other hand, Kobe Smith is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His signing with the New York Giants reflects the team’s dedication to bolstering their defense. Smith’s prowess in disrupting offenses and his ability to make plays in the backfield made him an attractive asset for the Giants.
As we look ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, the XFL remains committed to its mission of being a springboard for players aspiring to compete in the NFL. The league continues to gain traction as an alternative pathway for talented players looking for opportunities to excel at a higher level.
XFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts
Team
Name
NFL Team
Position
Date
San Antonio Brahmas
Kobe Smith
New York Giants
DL
6/16/23
D.C. Defenders
Chris Blair
Atlanta Falcons
WR
6/16/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Marcell Ateman
Buffalo Bills
WR
6/1/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Darrius Shepherd
Los Angeles Chargers
WR
6/1/23
Vegas Vipers
Brandon Dillon
Washington Commanders
TE
5/30/23
D.C. Defenders
Lucky Jackson
Minnesota Vikings
WR
5/23/23
D.C. Defenders
Ferrod Gardner
Washington Commanders
LB
5/22/23
San Antonio Brahmas
Alizé Mack
Tennessee Titans
TE
5/17/23
Arlington Renegades
Willie Taylor
Jacksonville Jaguars
LB
5/17/23
D.C. Defenders
Daniel Whelan
Green Bay Packers
PT
5/17/23
Orlando Guardians
Charleston Rambo
Philadelphia Eagles
WR
5/16/23
San Antonio Brahmas
Jacques Patrick
Denver Broncos
RB
5/16/23
San Antonio Brahmas
Luq Barcoo
Pittsburgh Steelers
CB
5/16/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Hakeem Butler
Pittsburgh Steelers
WR
5/16/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Jaryd Jones-Smith
Washington Commanders
T
5/16/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Gary Jennings
Carolina Panthers
WR
5/16/23
Orlando Guardians
Jordan Thomas
Carolina Panthers
TE
5/16/23
Houston Roughnecks
Jack Heflin
New Orleans Saints
DL
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Antwuan Jackson
Carolina Panthers
DL
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Niko Lalos
New Orleans Saints
LB
5/15/23
Houston Roughnecks
C.J. Brewer
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DL
5/15/23
San Antonio Brahmas
John Parker Romo
Detroit Lions
K
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Barry Wesley
Atlanta Falcons
T
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Ben DiNucci
Denver Broncos
QB
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Austin Faoliu
Seattle Seahawks
DE
5/15/23
Seattle Sea Dragons
Bryce Thompson
Miami Dolphins
S
5/15/23
St Louis Battlehawks
LaCale London
Atlanta Falcons
DL
5/15/23
St Louis Battlehawks
Lukas Denis
Atlanta Falcons
S
5/15/23
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