Eight days away from a new USFL season and fans across the country are geared up for more football. Whether it is Baltimoreans ready to raise a banner and celebrate their first title, or fans in Jacksonville just looking for a team that can compete, across the country this is a time for hope. Yes, the weather may still be a bit dicey, and some of the most recent signings may not make it to the field in Week 1, but across the USFL there is a buzz about Season 33.
And there has been a lot happening as USFL teams broke camp, played their preseason primers, and tuned up for next week’s openers. We could see three teams open with starters who were not even on the roster when camp opened (OK, likely only 2, maybe only 1, but you see the point). We have NFL imports getting accustomed to new homes, rookies finding their way, and teams hoping they have put together the right combination of players to take the next step. In Birmingham, Jacksonville, Memphis, Michigan, and Portland we have new coaches putting in their playbooks and putting their stamp on the culture of their club. And right now, we have our USFL preview where we will look at it all, break it down, and do our best to give you our perspective on what the season to come could hold.
FLURRY OF LATE QB MOVES IMPACTS 3 TEAMS
To say it was a wild few weeks since the USFL draft just does not do it justice. Yes, we had the usual drama of recent draftees opting between USFL and NFL offers, but what we saw this year was something of a cascade effect as one decision led to another, with teams moving heaven and earth to try to fill those key spots. And while there certainly was drama in Denver (which we will explore later) the biggest story has been at the QB position, where one decision helped spark a cascade of changes that impacts 3 USFL clubs and shakes up the expectations across the league for this upcoming season.
So, what was the decision? Well, in our last Offseason Report we pointed out that FSU quarterback Jameis Winston was a top pick for both the USFL Tampa Bay Bandits and the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The double-selection, particularly with two teams in the same city, led to a bidding war that Winston and his agent had to love, but which drove the rest of us mad. It was a long 2 weeks, but in the end, just as USFL camps were opening and veterans reporting, Winston made his choice. He would be headed to the NFL with a new 5-year, $39M contract, a deal that included nearly $20 in signing bonus, something the Bandits just could not provide.
Winston’s decision left Tampa Bay with only former backup Ryan Lindley and untested B. J. Daniels in the QB Room. The 2014 SE Division Champs have designs on repeating, despite the loss of QB Daunte Culpepper and, in a surprise move, WR Vincent Jackson. To do so they needed more at the QB position than what we saw from Lindley last year, so a deal needed to be done. It was well-known that there were a couple of teams that were dissatisfied with their 2014 starters, but who had not found a taker willing to pay a high enough price to move their starters to another club. Tampa Bay was now desperate to make a deal, and they did just that with the Los Angeles Express to bring embattled 7-year starter Mark Sanchez across the country with a promise of a starting gig, something the Express would not provide.
Sanchez would be the newest Bandit, in the hopes of fans the newest in a line that goes from John Reaves to Troy Aikman and then to Culpepper. In return, LA received what they most wanted, future options, getting two 2016 draft picks, currently a 3rd and a 4th, but those shift to a 2nd and 3rd if Sanchez starts 10 or more games for the Bandits in 2015, something both LA and most Bandit fans hope to see.
Of course, moving Sanchez had an impact on the Express as well. This now meant that Coach Andy Reid was fully committed to Aaron Murray as his starter. That was assumed before, but now was locked in. However, with only Brodie Croyle behind Murray, Reid wanted a veteran presence, someone who would accept his role and help support Murray, but also someone who could step in if Murray struggled. The Express found an option in Florida once again. They made an offer to the Jacksonville Bulls that no one had been willing to do all offseason. They would take former Heisman Winner but accuracy-impaired QB Tim Tebow as a backup to Murray, and Jacksonville would get something they needed, more defensive help. LA sent nickel back Coty Sensabaugh and a 4th rounder to the Bulls in exchange for Tebow and a 5th in 2016.
So now we have Sanchez as the anticipated starter for the Bandits, Tebow at the ready as the number two in LA, and the Bulls now have who at QB? Well, as of February 15th, they had former on-again-off-again starter for the Boston Cannons Adrian McPherson, and they had a lifetime backup in Chase Daniel on the roster. Would they really stand pat with those two as their top options? Of course not. Jacksonville had an option, right there in the NFL-USFL Transfer window, and the kind of option that fans in Florida might actually get excited about. The Bulls spent a hefty sum of cash, roughly $9M in each of the next 2 seasons, but they found a player they hoped could revitalize Bulls football in Jacksonville, former Baylor and Redskin QB Robert Griffin III.
Griffin arrived in Jacksonville on the 18th, quickly took on number 16 and got to work. His goal? To be the starter in Week 1, a tough task for a new arrival, but one that fans were as eager to see as the once lauded QB of the Redskins. So, in the span of just under 2 weeks we saw Winston opt for the NFL, which led Tampa to trade for Sanchez, which put LA in a position to trade for Tebow, which gave the Bulls the salary relief they needed to go after Griffin. And that is how you get three new QBs on three new teams in short order. Now, of course, the question is whether or not any of the three can find success in their new homes.
You may think we have already spoiled the surprise before we got to our NFL-USFL Transfer Window Report, but you would be wrong. As with the September-October window, this year’s February-March Window has been a rousing one, and one with more than a few surprises. On the outgoing side, the USFL lost a few names that were surprises as teams allowed players to test the market rather than risk holdouts. On the incoming side, the biggest fish in the NFL free agency pool made a huge move without even calling a van company. Here is the breakdown, beginning with the USFL departures.
Just as we saw in autumn, we have already seen an inexplicable balance in players moving between the two leagues. We still have just under 2 weeks to go, but so far we are seeing players jumping leagues more readily than in recent memory. Among those who either moved as free agents or who were able to secure releases to explore an NFL option later in the offseason. Some big names here, players who will be missed in the USFL.
WR Vincent Jackson was initially believed to be retiring from the Bandits, the USFL and football, but it seems that he had second thoughts when the San Diego Chargers came calling. Jackson, now 34, signed a 2-year deal for nearly double what he had been making in Tampa.
Steve Slaton pushed hard for a release, unhappy that he was one of the league’s elite running backs, but was still stuck in a deal that paid him like a backup. Philadelphia wanted to retain his rights, but in the end, they let him explore the market, and the market was very good to him. Slaton signed a 3-year deal to switch to the fall, where he will be the newest member of the Houston Oilers.
The hopes of the Ohio Glory to be able to resign Chris Weinke came crashing down when the 2014 starter rejected a bid from the team and joined the St. Louis Rams. But, in a twist we don’t often see, he is joining them as their QB Coach, not as a player. It is not a formal retirement, but the fact that he has taken the coaching position all but makes it final for his playing days. An odd one to be sure.
Back to the more routine, former Nashville receiver Robert Meachem also found gold at the end of the NFL rainbow, released by Greg Roman after a series of blow-ups, Meachem now finds himself a New Orleans Saint.
Others who waited through free agency, without a suitable bid, only to find what they sought, along with a nice extended vacation before NFL minicamps in June, included CB Marlin Jackson, WR Bethel Johnson, center Justin Hartwig, guard Sean Mahan, CBs Corey Webster and Josh Sewell, and, as expected, former Pittsburgh Mauler Ronnie Brown.
Brown had sought to be traded within the USFL but found no takers willing to restructure his contract. He eventually got so sour with team ownership and management, that he was granted his release and that allowed him to pursue NFL options. Well, he found the deal he wanted, a 3-year deal worth nearly $24M with the San Diego Chargers, who are apparently trying to build a USFL roster after signing both Brown and Jackson. Brown’s deal is backloaded, meaning that he has to both avoid injury and show productivity this year in San Diego to get paid, but it is the dollar figure that the Maulers simply would not pay.
So, we have some big names headed over to the NFL, what about any big names coming to the USFL on short notice and ready to jump right into the regular season? Not to worry, Robert Griffin III was not the only NFL import, not by a longshot. After more than 20 signings in the Sept.-Oct. window, the USFL again fared quite well in their wooing of NFL talent. With nearly 2 weeks to go in the window, we have already seen more than 15 players jump leagues. And in that group some players that the NFL did not want to lose.
Let’s start on offense, where the USFL added 3 NFL halfbacks in addition to the biggest QB name on the board. First up was former Seahawk Bobby Rainey, who signed a 2-year deal to join the St. Louis Skyhawks, where he is likely to act as a 3rd down option behind Eddie Lacy. Two days later we saw Christian Michael, another 3rd down specialist, join the Houston Gamblers. Again, a role player in an offense where 2014 Rookie of the Year Carlos Hyde is clearly the bell cow. Finally, just 2 days ago, bruising back Chris Ivory inked a deal with the New Jersey Generals, where he will spell Maurice Jones-Drew and very likely take on some goalline and short yardage duties.
And while there were some recognizable names on offense chosen, we saw an even richer haul on the defensive side of the ball. The first prize came on opening day, when former Lion Nick Fairley, eagerly jumped at a chance to return to the South, to winning football, and to a team with a solid defensive reputation, joining the Atlanta Fire. Fairley will likely play nose tackle for the Fire’s 3-4 alignment, splitting time with Jason Ferguson.
The next big signing was also a defensive tackle as former Eagle Vinny Curry, unsatisfied playing the swing/sub position for the birds, switch to a different green & black eagle as a new member of the Washington Federals. Washington hopes to line Curry up next to Corey Liuget in a 4-3 that also features Chris Long and Mathias Kiawanuka, but also expect to see some 3-4 out of Coach Payton.
New Jersey also added some defensive help, landing CB Sean Smith away from the KC Chiefs. But the news for the Generals was almost immediately bumped from the headline as only 3 hours later we got the big announcement that USFL fans had been waiting for and NFL fans had dreaded. From a hotel in downtown Denver, All-Pro DE Von Miller made the announcement that he was leaving the Denver Broncos to join the USFL. Before the local media could finish groaning, he informed them that he was not done with them yet. He would not be going anywhere, remaining in town as the newest member of the Denver Gold.
It was a jaw-dropper. The Gold, famous for their… let’s call it “frugality’, had opened the wallet up, blown the dust off their checkbook and landed the biggest fish in NFL free agency. Von Miller was a superstar with the Broncos, and now the NFL club in town would have to watch as billboards with Miller’s face showed him in black and gold, not navy and orange crush. It was a stunner, and, once USFL coaches put 2 and 2 together and realized that Miller would be on a defensive line that already featured Ndamukong Suh, concern rippled through the league like the force rippling through the universe when the Death Star blew up Alderaan.
The Gold had shocked the football world and now had a D-line trio of Justice Cole, Ndamukong Suh, and Von Miller. You can almost hear Joe Flacco, David Carr, and Johnny Manziel collectively gasping at the thought. Miller has the potential to be an immediate threat to Calais Campbell as the league’s best pass rusher, especially with Suh inside just as Campbell has Haynesworth occupying blocks. And it may well be the model of Campbell and Haynesworth that drove Denver to make the move. It will cost them a pretty penny to have Miller on the field, so maybe that big money extension for Matt Leinart is now in jeopardy, but it is the kind of move that will absolutely sell tickets (even among upset Bronco fans in Denver) and move merchandize with Miller’s trademark 58 on it. It also adds a level of excitement to the 2015 season that makes both the league and its TV networks very happy indeed.
The addition of NFL transfers was not the only action over the past month, as teams continued to tweak their camp rosters, cutting some players loose and adding some via free agency. As is typical, several players who had been holding out for the perfect deal started accepting lesser offers once camp began. More than 30 USFL players signed deals just in the past 3 weeks, with many returning to their former teams, but a good number changing teams as well. Here is our quick rundown of notable players who have been added to rosters just as the preseason got under way and rosters started solidifying.
QB: No notable quarterbacks were added in the final month of free agency.
HB: Shane Vereen signed with New Orleans, Jay Finley with St. Louis, Shonn Greene with the Express only after Rod Smart made his retirement official, and, perhaps the biggest signing, Cadillac Williams found a taker in the Jacksonville Bulls.
WR: Tiquan Underwood landed in Seattle. Donte Do is now in Charlotte. Jerrel Jernigan caught on in Chicago. Ted Ginn Jr will be the new slot & return specialist for the Michigan Panthers, and former Panther Mario Manningham finally found an offer he liked, becoming a member of the Dallas Roughnecks.
TE: A couple of late signings, with Bo Scaife joining the Stallions while Arizona tried to add a potential target for David Carr now that Gronkowski is gone, signing veteran Daniel Graham to a 1-year deal.
O-Line: Several noteworthy names, beginning with center Ryan Pontbriand who will join the defending champions in Baltimore. Guard Deuce Lutui moves on to New Jersey, while OT Sebastian Vollmer will be joining the Houston Gamblers.
D-Line: DE Brandon Mbane will have a chance to earn some snaps in Tampa Bay as the Bandits try to recover from the departure of Jason Pierre-Paul. On the inside, veteran Dan Klecko leaves Pittsburgh for the LA Express while Dre Moore will now set up shop in Orlando, backing up Albert Haynesworth.
LB/DB: Very few signings in the linebacker or DB groups, with one noteworthy exception as former Invader Pearson Prioleau is apparently not ready to retire after all, signing a 1-year deal with Ohio at the age of 37.
ST: Baltimore kicker Nick Folk will head up I-95, staying in the division with the New Jersey Generals, who release 3-year starter Leigh Tiffin with Folk now in the fold.
MOST IMPACTFUL NEW FACES
That is a lot of new arrivals all across the USFL, so who do we think will be the biggest impact arrivals with their new teams? We decided to go division by division, starting out west and heading eastward. Five players in each division who could make a real difference this year. Could be a rookie, a free agent, a traded starter, or an NFL import, but we think these are players to keep your eyes on as they start their journeys with a new team.
QB Marcus Mariota, Portland (Rookie): No pressure, rookie, just the entire hopes of a franchise that has never produced much ride on you. Easy peasy.
QB Joe Webb, San Diego (Trade): The move from the Feds to the Thunder gives Webb a chance to be the bona fide starter without looking over his shoulder, but for how long?
HB Joseph Addai, Seattle (Free Agent): A lot was expected of Addai in Birmingham, but it never materialized. Can he find more success in the PNW with a new team?
LB Lance Briggs, Portland (Free Agent): A force on Arizona’s 2013 title team. Can he be the QB of the defense for the Portland Stags?
WR Nelson Agholor, LA (Rookie): We could have gone with Tim Tebow, since he will be a focus of the media for sure, but unlike Tebow, Agholor could be a Week 1 starter as he battles with Robert Woods in camp.
DE/LB Von Miller, Denver (NFL Import): No doubt the hype machine is ready to roll as Miller moves from the Broncos to the Gold. The talent is undeniable, and Denver could be ready to make a move if the hype turns into results.
WR DeVante Parker, Las Vegas (Rookie): Replacing T. J. Houshmandzadeh will not be easy, but Parker has the tools to be a very dangerous target who can draw coverage away from Chad Johnson.
DE Larry English, Dallas (Free Agent): An underrated and oft-overlooked edge rusher. We would not be surprised if he had his best season as a pro now that he is in Dallas.
CB Pacman Jones, Texas (NFL Import): If Jones can keep the distractions and self-destructive nonsense to a minimum, he could be a huge factor for a Texas squad that wants to get back to the Summer Bowl after getting so close to a title last year.
WR Kevin White, Denver (Rookie): White provides the quickness and YAC moves that we generally don’t see in Gold wideouts. Could he help bring in a new age of offensive football in Denver?
QB Trevor Siemian, Chicago (Rookie): Not expected to start, but his presence will either propel Brady Quinn to a more successful year or we will see Quinn stumble, pushing Siemian into a possible QB controversy.
TE Rob Gronkowski, St. Louis (Free Agent): As good as Gronk was with David Carr and the Wranglers, we think the ceiling is even higher with Josh Freeman in a Bruce Arians offense.
QB Brock Osweiler, Ohio (NFL Import): He came to the Glory expecting to hold a clipboard for Chris Weinke, but he now looks like the potential starter as the season draws close.
WR Ted Ginn Jr, Michigan (Free Agent): The Panthers add a speedy inside weapon for Kirk Cousins. Ginn will benefit greatly from LBs and even safeties having to respect the threat of LeVeon Bell out of the backfield.
DE Jason Pierre-Paul, Chicago (Free Agent): The Machine want to return to their glory years of monster defense, and there is no better way to do that than to put pressure on the QB. JPP can certainly do that, as he proved in Tampa last season.
WR Amari Cooper, Birmingham (Rookie): A Birmingham squad that once had both Moss and Owens on the field together needed some youth and some speed at the position. Cooper could be the weapon Newton has needed.
OT Tyson Clabo, Memphis (Free Agent): Protect your QB’s blind side, open holes for your new HB, and provide some veteran leadership to an offense that needs to find itself. That is the 3-part task before Clabo.
HB Todd Gurley, Memphis (Rookie): Is Gurley all his college career seemed to show or will he be another in a pretty long line of backs to struggle in Memphis? If he can crack 1,000 yards as a rookie, he could be elected mayor in the Blues City.
DE Malik Jackson, Houston (NFL Import): Not as flashy a signing as Von Miller, but Houston is expecting Jackson to become a solid force as a dedicated edge rusher. If he can live up to that, his name will become more well-known.
LB Kwon Alexander, New Orleans (Rookie): The Breakers see themselves as one step from a title, and a youthful, fast, and aggressive LB could be just what they need to turn a very good defense into one that is feared across the league.
TE Greg Olsen, Tampa Bay (Free Agent): With a new QB in town, and a lot of moving pieces all across the offense, landing a solid safety valve was a shrewd move. Olsen is a step up from Luke Stocker, and could be a 100-target receiver at TE.
HB Cadillac Williams, Jacksonville (Free Agent): The Bulls needed help across the offense. They brought in 3 new receivers and finally landed a potential bell cow back in Williams.
DT Nick Fairley, Atlanta (NFL Import): Fairley disappointed Lion fans, but he could rebound with a strong season in Atlanta. Don’t expect a lot of sacks from the interior lineman, but if he can free up the LBs to get involved in the pass rush, his arrival will have been a success.
QB Robert Griffin III, Jacksonville (NFL Import): So much rides on Griffin’s back. He needs to show the world he was not a flash in the pan. He needs to prove himself a leader on a team that desperately needs one. But most of all he needs to stay healthy.
QB Mark Sanchez, Tampa Bay (Trade): A bit of a desperation call after whiffing on Jameis Winston, but now Tampa Bay has to rally behind Sanchez, and Sanchez has to prove that LA made a huge mistake giving up on him.
HB Marcus Lattimore, Pittsburgh (Trade): The Maulers chose Lattimore over other bigger, more straight line backs, so they will now need to modify their run game to adapt to the lighter, quicker, and shiftier style of Lattimore.
DT Ellis Wyms, Baltimore (Free Agent): Baltimore wants to make life tough on opposing halfbacks, and Wyms can certainly do that. He will eat up blocks and space, which could also benefit the Blitz pass rush.
CB Cortland Finnegan, Philadelphia (Free Agent): Not since Quentin Jammer left have the stars truly had a lock down corner. Finnegan could be just that for them, and that could be the difference as they try to hold down Baltimore’s pass-happy offense.
DE Vic Beasley, New Jersey (Rookie): The Generals are trying to make life miserable for offensive coordinators. With Kampman on one side and Beasly on the other, this could be a pass rush that produces a lot of grey hair for anyone responsible for QB protection.
HB Jacquizz Rogers, Baltlimore (NFL Import): The Blitz will still primarily rely on Anthony Dixon to run between the tackles, but having a weapon like Rogers on 3rd down could make life a lot easier for Big Ben and could be a 1st down machine in the short passing game.
In Part 2 of our 2015 Season Preview, we will make bold predictions, assess the 6 USFL divisions, rank all 28 USFL clubs ahead of their opening week, make our often-way-off-base predictions for the Summer Bowl and the award winners. That, plus a preview of Week 1 action, all on its way in just 2 days.
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