So... now that the NFL rosters are set...who's left?

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

Just to spice up the conversation in a quiet period. The NFL active rosters and practice squads are set. Only one punter has made an active roster so far... so the XFL basically has almost everyone at their disposal this year that they had last year.

How many retirements do we see? Do we see some prominent new faces with NFL experience? After all, it seems like (in contrast to 2020) the NFL vets like McCarron and DiNucci, and spring vets like Perez, were some of the most successful players.

It's probably going to be a few more weeks before the XFL starts signing their players, but it doesn't hurt to have a look at what's available and who might consider playing in the league.

[GregParks]

The October 4th draft is supposedly for the players who were released at final cuts. Not sure if it will be an "opt-in" situation or if XFL teams will just be drafting these players and hoping they'll want to play in the league.

At least a couple players have retired in RB Kenneth Farrow and DT TJ Barnes, both of the Renegades. There might have been one or two others I'm missing.

And while one punter has made an active roster, there are three players on IR/PUP, plus 16 practice squad players (15 active, one on PS IR). Obviously those numbers will fluctuate through the season but those at least are the players XFL team can't necessarily count on being back in 2024.

[Sounder]

If Caleb Williams foregoes the 2024 draft expected to be the first pick, if a team picks him that he doesn't want to play for, and if he's used up his college eligibility......can playing a year in the XFL nullify his NFL draft status giving him the ability to be a free agent?

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

If Caleb Williams foregoes the 2024 draft expected to be the first pick, if a team picks him that he doesn't want to play for, and if he's used up his college eligibility......can playing a year in the XFL nullify his NFL draft status giving him the ability to be a free agent?

No. Playing in the XFL wouldn't affect draft status any more than sitting out the season and refusing to play. He'd just end up in the next year's draft. (See also: Kenny Robinson)

As it is, Williams still has eligibility left at the NCAA level.

[GDAWG]

If Caleb Williams foregoes the 2024 draft expected to be the first pick, if a team picks him that he doesn't want to play for, and if he's used up his college eligibility......can playing a year in the XFL nullify his NFL draft status giving him the ability to be a free agent?

No. Playing in the XFL wouldn't affect draft status any more than sitting out the season and refusing to play. He'd just end up in the next year's draft. (See also: Kenny Robinson)

As it is, Williams still has eligibility left at the NCAA level.

This year and next year

[FootballYoda]

I wonder how many players who made NFL practice rosters would decide to come back to the XFL. Won't they be thinking that their XFL time got them back to the NFL... and they would see going back to the XFL as a move in the wrong direction.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

I wonder how many players who made NFL practice rosters would decide to come back to the XFL. Won't they be thinking that their XFL time got them back to the NFL... and they would see going back to the XFL as a move in the wrong direction.

Hard to say. 2020 XFL leaned hard on practice squad guys, and we all know AJ McCarron willingly chose the XFL because it gave him time on TV, something the practice squad doesn't do.

If a player is nearing the end of their career, I wouldn't be surprised if a few take that shot to come back. 15 minutes of fame is better than none at all.

[He Hate Me]

I wonder how many players who made NFL practice rosters would decide to come back to the XFL. Won't they be thinking that their XFL time got them back to the NFL... and they would see going back to the XFL as a move in the wrong direction.

Hard to say. 2020 XFL leaned hard on practice squad guys, and we all know AJ McCarron willingly chose the XFL because it gave him time on TV, something the practice squad doesn't do.

If a player is nearing the end of their career, I wouldn't be surprised if a few take that shot to come back. 15 minutes of fame is better than none at all.

Like McCarron (good example) it will be a personal decision for most players.