Despite the struggles of the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL last year, the team came close to making the playoffs. The Brahmas finished 3-7 record and missed the playoffs by just one game behind the eventual XFL champions Arlington Renegades.
Former coach Hines Ward is no longer with the team, as former Houston Roughnecks coach Wade Phillips takes over. Phillips led the Roughnecks to a 7-3 record winning the South Division in the regular season, but lost to the Renegades in the playoffs last year.
The Brahmas are going through a change worthy of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The biggest indication is signing a whooping 20 players last week.
Here are all those free-agent signings:
- K Matt Ammendola
- OL Greg Eiland
- OL Chuck Filiaga
- DB Benjie Franklin
- QB Chase Garbers
- DB Gavin Helsop
- LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
- OL Derrick Kelly
- WR Jontre Kirklin
- DL Terrance Lang
- DL Jason Lewan
- RB John Lovett
- WR Alize Mack
- LB Zach McCloud
- LB Garrett Nelson
- DB Scott Nelson
- DB Darius Phillips
- DB Vernon Scott
- WR Marquez Stevenson
- OL Jarrid Williams
There are some noticeable names on the list, including Chase Garbers. The 24-year-old quarterback is a fascinating prospect after spending the 2022 season with the Las Vegas Raiders on their practice squad.
Garbers was a starter for the Cal Golden Bears from 2018-21, throwing for 6,580 yards and rushing for another 1,174 yards. He threw 50 touchdowns and ran for an additional 11.
What makes Garbers interesting is his ability to use his athleticism to make plays, which is similar to what Phillips and offensive coordinator A.J. Smith wanted with Cole McDonald last year in Houston. Garbers will be competing with Jack Coan for the starting job. Kurt Benkert will be in the running as well, but it’s unknown whether he will return.
Arguably the biggest name on the list is wide receiver Jontre Kirklin. There wasn’t a more electric receiver through the first five weeks of the XFL season than Kirklin. He had 15 receptions for 253 yards and four touchdowns in five games before suffering a season-ending injury. San Antonio’s offense was needing a top-end receiver like Kirklin that can be a deep threat.
The final roster won’t take shape until next month, but it’s safe to assume it will feel much different in 2024.
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