All 32 NFL teams’ training camps are in full swing as they head toward the pre and regular season. 37 XFL 2023 players have signed on with 20 different NFL teams as of press time.
Moments after publishing this article, sources reached out after reading it to reveal a 36th signing. That of Vegas Vipers RB John Lovett to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shortly thereafter, Defenders OL Liam Ryan was announced as signing with the Seattle Seahawks. A team the versatile lineman spent time with in 2022 on their practice squad.
XFL To The NFL
In May, the pathway for XFL 2023 players to sign on with NFL teams started in mid-May.
The proudly touted ‘League of Opportunity’ has provided opportunities. Over 100 XFL players have either signed or were invited to work out with an NFL team.
Even with NFL teams mostly at or near their 90-player off-season limit headed toward the preseason, XFL players are still getting workouts. That process should continue beyond the summer and throughout the NFL season.
The odds of any college or pro player making and lasting in the NFL are slim. Less than two percent of all college football players make the National Football League. And the pro-free agents who latch on in camp to the back end of NFL rosters have a steep hill to climb. After all, most football players wash out of the NFL quickly.
Nevertheless, alternate pro football leagues such as the XFL have proven successful in creating a bridge for its players to not only get another shot in the NFL but last in the big league.
Consider this as of press time; 17 XFL 2020 players are currently on NFL rosters. Some are headed to their fourth straight season in the NFL after playing in XFL 2020.
XFL 2020 Players On NFL Rosters (17 as of 7/31/23)
QB: Josh Johnson (Wildcats-Ravens)
QB: P.J. Walker (Roughnecks-Bears)
QB: Taylor Heinicke (Battlehawks-Falcons)
QB/TE: Tyree Jackson (Defenders-Eagles)
RB: Godwin Igwebuike (Dragons-Falcons)
LS: Christian Kuntz (Renegades-Steelers)
LS: Nick Moore (Vipers-Ravens)
LS: Scott Daly (Guardians-Lions)
TE: Donald Parham Jr. (Renegades-Chargers)
TE: Colin Thompson (Vipers-Vikings)
OL: Michael Dunn (Dragons-Browns)
OL: Storm Norton (Wildcats-Saints)
RB: Austin Walter (Renegades-Raiders)
DB: Elijah Campbell (Defenders-Dolphins)
S: Kenny Robinson (Battlehawks-Steelers)
DB: Saivion Smith (Roughnecks-Lions)
LB: DeMarquis Gates (Roughnecks-Bears)
Recently, XFL 2023 players have been getting workouts with NFL teams. The unfortunate side of football during training camp and the preseason is that players get injured even in non-contact drills. As evidenced by the recent calf injury of megastar Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Players on the fringe of the NFL who aren’t currently on 90-player rosters are hoping for a way through the back door.
Such is the life of a pro football athlete that one player’s misfortune creates an opportunity for another.
While not long-term, the Burrow injury created a path for two XFL 2023 quarterbacks to get workouts with Cincinnati. San Antonio Brahmas signal-caller Reid Sinnett and 2022 Bengals/2023 Arlington Renegades QB Drew Plitt. Both players starred in last year’s NFL preseason and spent time on NFL rosters in 2022.
Reid Sinnett is the one who got the call from Cincy and is the 35th XFL 2023 player to sign on with an NFL team. Sinnett will have a chance in camp and the preseason to impress the Bengals brass and perhaps retain a spot on their roster, with the NFL now including three quarterbacks on game-day rosters.
Updated XFL 2023 To NFL Player Tracker (37 Signings) As Of 7/31/23
- Here is the complete updated list of XFL 2023 player signings by NFL teams. There are three additional players who were on XFL rosters in 2023 and have signed NFL contracts, who are not listed below. Houston Roughnecks WR Davion Davis (Cardinals by way of the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions), CB Andrew Whittaker (Roughnecks), and Diego Fagot (Roughnecks).
- There have also been new offseason additions through the XFL Rookie draft and otherwise, who have signed on with NFL teams like WR Ty Scott (D.C.-Chiefs), CB Chris Steele (Houston-Seahawks), WR Cody Chrest (Houston-Packers), and DT Roderick Perry (Houston-Seahawks). These names are not listed below.
D.C. Defenders (6)
G/C/T: Liam Ryan (Seahawks)
LB/DB: Ferrod Gardner (Commanders)
P: Daniel Whelan (Packers)
WR: Lucky Jackson (Vikings)
WR: Brandon Smith (Cardinals)
WR: Chris Blair (Falcons)
St. Louis Battlehawks (8)
WR: Hakeem Butler (Steelers)
WR: Darius Shepherd (Chargers)
WR: Gary Jennings (Panthers)
WR: Marcel Ateman (Bills)
OT: Jarryd Jones-Smith (Commanders)
DB: Lukas Denis (Falcons)
DL: Lacale London (Falcons)
DL: Kevin Atkins (Giants)
Vegas Vipers (2)
TE: Brandon Dillon (Commanders)
RB: John Lovett (Steelers)
Seattle Sea Dragons (6)
QB: Ben DiNucci (Broncos)
OL: Barry Wesley (Falcons)
DL: Antwuan Jackson (Panthers
LB: Niko Lalos (Saints)
DL: Austin Faoliu (Seahawks)
S: Bryce Thompson (Dolphins)
San Antonio Brahmas (7)
QB: Reid Sinnett (Bengals)
K: John Parker-Romo (Lions)
LS: Rex Sunahara (Steelers)
RB: Jacques Patrick (Broncos-released)
CB: Luq Barcoo (Steelers)
TE: Alize Mack (Titans)
DL: Kobe Smith (Giants)
Houston Roughnecks (4)
DL: C.J. Brewer (Bucs)
DL: Jack Heflin (Saints)
OL: Jack Snyder (Vikings)
WR: Michael Bandy (Broncos)
Arlington Renegades (2)
DE: Willie Taylor (Jaguars)
DB: Darren Evans (Giants)
Orlando Guardians (2)
WR: Charleston Rambo (Eagles)
TE: Jordan Thomas (Panthers)
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