Top XFL players who have signed NFL deals this offseason
The reformed XFL, led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, completed a successful first season, and many of its stars are receiving NFL interest. Several players have already signed contracts with NFL franchises this season; here are four of the most notable:
Ben DiNucci, QB, Denver Broncos
XFL team: Seattle Sea Dragons
Thanks to a solid workout during their rookie minicamp, the Broncos signed the former James Madison signal-caller to the active roster on Tuesday. DiNucci, a 2020 seventh-rounder, briefly played for the Dallas Cowboys and appeared in three games during his rookie season, making one start.
During his lone career start, DiNucci completed 21 of 40 pass attempts for 180 yards and lost two fumbles as Dallas fell 23-9 to Philadelphia on "Sunday Night Football." He was subsequently demoted to third-string duties and stayed on Dallas' practice squad before the Cowboys permanently cut ties with him last offseason.
Seattle then selected DiNucci in the 2023 XFL Draft, and he went on to lead the league in passing, throwing for 2,671 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 26-year-old guided the Sea Dragons to a 7-3 record and a North Division Championship berth.
While he won't unseat Russell Wilson for the starting job, DiNucci could carve out a long career as a backup under HC Sean Payton's guidance.
Hakeem Butler, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
XFL team: St. Louis Battlehawks
A fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2019, Butler missed his rookie year with a broken hand and was cut before the 2020 season. After a brief stint with the Eagles, Butler bounced around the CFL until he sent a Twitter DM to Battlehawks HC Anthony Becht asking for a tryout this past November.
Not only did Butler get his chance with St. Louis, but he capitalized on it, leading the league in touchdown receptions (eight) and recording 51 catches for 599 yards. For his efforts, Butler was named to the All-XFL team and invited to participate in the Steelers' rookie minicamp, which led to a contract with the team.
With the acquisition of veteran Allen Robinson II earlier this offseason, Pittsburgh is in good shape when it comes to its starting receiving corps. However, if Butler performs well in OTAs, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the field this season and emerge as a reliable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
John Parker Romo, K, Detroit Lions
XFL team: San Antonio Brahmas
The All-XFL kicker ranked first in field goals (17) and made a 57-yarder, the second-longest kick in the league last season.
Following a trial run at rookie minicamp, Romo signed with Detroit, and it'll be his second shot at earning an NFL roster spot. He spent time with the New Orleans Saints last offseason, going 1-of-2 on his field-goal attempts in the preseason before being waived.
Romo heads into training camp to compete with journeyman Michael Badgley for Detroit's starting kicker position. Badgley, who has a career 81.7% field-goal conversion rate, made 20 of his 24 attempts for the Lions last season.
Jacques Patrick, RB, Denver Broncos
XFL team: San Antonio Brahmas
Denver signed another marquee XFL product in Patrick after an impressive rookie minicamp tryout. The former Florida State Seminole went undrafted in 2019 and was selected by the Tampa Bay Vipers in the 2020 XFL Draft. Once the league suspended operations, Patrick signed a deal with the Bengals.
In 2021, Patrick played for the 49ers, Panthers and Ravens but made only two NFL appearances, both coming with San Francisco. Last season, he finished second in XFL in rushing (443 yards) and scored five touchdowns.
Patrick will have his work cut out for him in camp. Denver boasts a crowded running back room that features Javonte Williams, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2022, and newly signed veterans Samaje Perine and Tony Jones Jr. Although, if Patrick has a strong preseason and fails to crack the Broncos roster, he should garner plenty of interest from other teams.
More must-reads: