Davis Cheek has had an eventful rookie season. After getting signed by the Carolina as a UDFA Cheek would get released before the season started after Baker Mayfield was traded to the team. The Small School Prospect then appeared to be focused on joining the XFL, by signing on with the NFL Alumni Academy how saw an NFL opportunity come his way in early December.
After not getting “assigned” by any XFL teams during the November XFL draft, Cheek would rejoin the Panthers for the final leg of the season ironically replacing D’Eriq King who spent a week with the Panthers and would be “assigned” to the DC Defenders on December 12th.
Cheek would battle XFL “assigned” Quarterbacks Kurt Benkert (Houston), and Reid Sinnett (San Antonio) with the Panthers ultimately signing Cheek for the final five weeks of the NFL season. While Cheek seemed to be living his NFL dream for a moment, the Panthers at the end of the season did not offer Cheek a futures contract, and the former Elon alum was unemployed.
After no “assignments” from XFL teams, and options limited Cheek took the opportunity to sign with the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers, in an effort to extend his pro-football career. With all XFL teams already having a minimum of three Quarterbacks on their roster, Cheek made the best decision for him in an effort to maximize his playing time in an effort to re-join the NFL.
Cheek goes into training camp battling Zach Smith, and Aqeel Glass for the position of QB1. Currently Fox Sports does not list Shea Patterson on the Breakers roster going into the USFL’s 2023 season.
With the XFL seemingly “set” for Quarterback positions going into training camp 2023, it doesn’t appear that much QB movement is expected for the XFL’s 2023. Players like Davis Cheek, Jarratt Guarantano, Khalil Tate, and Carson Strong who have all been linked to the XFL and may be on the outside looking in if hoping for an XFL opportunity.
While Guarantano appears to be with the Denver Broncos for now, Tate and Strong are currently team less despite working out with Jordan Palmer during the XFL “off-season”. For Cheek while it appeared his hopes were for an XFL opportunity, joining the USFL seems like a solid “business” decision that could pay off dividends if he’s able to garner substantial playing time for the Breakers.
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