Another XFL alumni will get his chance to shine come week 6 in the CFL. Former Tampa Bay Vipers QB Taylor Cornelius will be coming under center to lead the 1-4 Edmonton Elks, due to the ineffectiveness of Nick Arbuckle and an injury to Rookie Tre Ford.
Cornelius was a surprise draft pick by the Vipers being taken in the 9th round. After coming out of Oklahoma State in 2019, and only being looked at by the Green Bay Packers during their mini camp, The Vipers would take a flyer on Cornelius who joined Aaron Murray, Quinton Flowers and Vinny Testaverde Jr in their QB room.
Cornelius would get the start in Week 2, of the 2020 XFL season and would end up starting four games for the Vipers. He’d put up a respectable 858 passing yards, 4 TDs and 6 Ints, in addition to adding 3 rushing touchdowns, with 114 yards on 17 carries, however like many others would find himself out of a job come the 2020 pandemic shortened season. Luckily several months later Cornelius has found consistent employment with the Elks.
Cornelius begins his second season in Edmonton after getting signed in 2021 post his XFL tenure. In 2021, he made eight starts for the Elks throwing for 1,735 yards 9 TDs and 13 Ints. The Elks would go 3-11 in 2021, and Cornelius’ status as the starter coming into 2022 was nothing but close to being a done deal, especially with the Elks trading and signing for Nick Arbuckle whose contract is worth approximately $450,000. Arkbuckle so far has completely underwhelmed throwing for 892 yards 2 TDs and 8 Ints.
Moving forward, not much is set in stone for Cornelius and his pro football career, however he does not lack opportunity. With Tre Ford being sidelined for the immediate future, and Nick Arbuckle seemingly ineffective, Cornelius is now in prime position to solidify his status as viable starter in professional football. Hopefully, for him in 2022 it’s a bit more successful than his last opportunity.
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