The USFL is returning for its second season very soon, and the teams are beginning to practice and begin their camps. Out of those teams, who has the best quarterback? And which one has the worst? Let’s find out right now.
Michigan Panthers: A
The Michigan Panthers entered year 1 with a QB room that turned out to be underwhelming. However as the season progressed, the other pickups looked better and better. Josh Love looks to return and compete for the starting job, as he mostly finished the season for the Panthers. As well, Eric Barriere is returning to the team, and he should compete for the starting job. New to the Panthers is Carson Strong. Once touted as an NFL first-round pick, Strong lands with the USFL, and should showcase his talent with the Panthers. Let’s not forget that they drafted Tanner Morgan, who could be really solid. In short, the Panthers should not need to worry about their QB situation.
New Jersey Generals: B+
The Generals had a great QB rotation last year with Luis Perez and DeAndre Johnson headlining a great offense that tore up the USFL. However, Perez chose the XFL, which left the Generals in need of a replacement. Lauletta remains on the roster and should expect playing time in 2023, as does backup De’Andre Johnson. Dakota Prukop is the pickup the Generals have chosen to try and replace Perez, but will he transition to the USFL?
Philadelphia Stars: A-
The Stars have one of the best QBs in the USFL with Case Cookus, who was doing great things once he took the starting job in Philly. One of those great things was taking them to the championship before going down with an injury. He returns, and we even interviewed him here at the Network. Cookus figures to be one of the best in the league, but what about his backups? Currently on the roster are K. J. Costello, and Kevin Thompson, neither of which appear to be competing to be starters. Vad Lee returns to the league but may have to compete for a roster spot.
Pittsburgh Maulers: A-
The Maulers had work to do to improve their chances of winning the USFL championship. They did just that by drafting Lindsey Scott Jr second overall with hopes to be more competitive. He should compete for the starting job with James Morgan and Chase Fourcade. Also on the roster are Troy Williams and Connor Sampson, who could surprise, or just be solid backups. If the Maulers want to improve, their talent must show more improvement in the QB room.
Birmingham Stallions: A
The defending champions of the USFL are looking to repeat, as the QB room stays intact. J’mar Smith made a case to be the starter instantly as he led the Stallions for most of the season after Alex McGough went down with an injury. Speaking of McGough, he returns to compete for the starting job once again. The Stallions splashed in the draft and went after Malik Cunningham, however, Cunningham wants to play in the NFL, so don’t expect to see him with the Stallions. Backup QB Jalen Morton also remains on the roster.
Houston Gamblers: B
The Gamblers had a mediocre season in 2022, so if they wanted to move up the USFL standings, they needed to upgrade at the QB position. Drafting Chase Brice will certainly help if he goes undrafted or becomes a 7th-round pick for the NFL, as he could choose the USFL to get legit playing time. Currently on the roster are Kenji Bahar, Terry Wilson, and Montell Cozart. For the Gamblers, they should look to improve, but the QB situation is far from ideal.
New Orleans Breakers: A+
The Breakers don’t seem to have a problem replacing Kyle Sloter, with Aqeel Glass and Davis Cheek who are both above-average USFL QBs, but the starting job might be locked up. McLeod Bethel-Thompson decided to leave the CFL to join the USFL and has chosen to sign with New Orleans. The Breakers have one of the best QB rooms in the league, so expect them to compete for the playoffs this year once again.
Memphis Showboats: A-
The Showboats are looking to put on a show when they take the field, and a trio of decent to above-average quarterbacks should help them do just that. Brady White, Cole Kelley, and Ryan Willis all look to compete for the starting job. Ryan Willis is the early favorite to win the starting job and is possibly going to be one of the better QBs in the USFL. Kelley and White could be solid options as well, leaving the Showboats with no bad options.
That just about wraps up the USFL QB grading for season 2! Stay tuned to Shady Sports for all the USFL news and stories during season 2!
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