Predicting the 2023 XFL starting quarterbacks for each team

| American Football | 02/07/2023

The XFL is back on February 19th as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has revamped Vince McMahon’s former league after its short-lived 2020 season was ended by the pandemic. As curious football fanatics tune into the new pro league, they will no doubt be wondering who will be behind center for each team.

While none of the eight teams have announced their starters yet for the 2023 season, it’s safe to say some teams have a clear-cut QB1 leading their offenses, while others may need a few weeks to find their go-to quarterback.

Let’s take a look at the likely starters and crowded quarterback rooms for each of the eight teams.

Kyle Sloter – Arlington Renegades

Sloter is one of three starting quarterbacks (Perez and Ta’amu) who made the switch from the USFL to the XFL this winter. The 6’5″, 220-pound specimen spent his final two college seasons at Northern Colorado, throwing for 2,656 yards and 29 touchdowns. Sloter is a speedy dual-threat passer who ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. His speed, size, and big arm caught the attention of NFL coaches as he spent time with the Vikings, Broncos, Cardinals, Lions, Bears, Raiders, and recently the Jaguars. Sloter has a sky-high ceiling and the athleticism to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the XFL.

Last year, Sloter had an up-and-down season in the USFL throwing nine touchdown passes bu 11 interceptions. The Renegades also have former Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt and veteran alt-football passer Kevin Anderson on the roster, giving Wade Phillips three quarterbacks with big-time experience and potential in the Arlington offense.

Luis Perez – Vegas Vipers

Perez has been called “Mr Spring Football” having played in nearly every expansion league in recent memory suiting up for the 2020 XFL, the AAF, the USFL, and The Spring League. Last summer he was seen as the USFL’s top passer boasting the league’s top QBR of 105.6. The journeyman helped carry the New Jersey Generals to the USFL post-season, putting together a excellent 2022 campaign.

However, The Vipers have also signed former Green Bay Packers and UCLA Bruins dual-threat quarterback Brett Hundley. The 29-year-old spent the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens, after stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers, where he started nine games in replacement for Aaron Rodgers in 2017.

The seven year NFL vet is one of the highest–paid players in the XFL and will likely get a lot of playing time and maybe even take the starting role down the line. This makes Vegas’s quarterback situation one I would hesitate to bet on.

Ben DiNucci – Seattle Sea Dragons

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was introduced to many fans starting for America’s team on Sunday Night Football back in 2020. The James Madison record-breaking passer ended up only spending two seasons in the NFL, all with the Cowboys, and now finds himself in the XFL. DiNucci will look to lead the Sea Dragons and connect with former NFL star Josh Gordon in order to give himself another NFL shot this fall. Seattle also has former Colorado quarterback Steven Montez and interestingly enough 2023 NFL Draft prospect Harrison Frost (West Georgia) on the roster.

Deondre Francois – Orlando Guardians

The former highly recruited Florida State quarterback transferred out of the powerhouse following legal trouble in Tallahassee. Afterwards, the talented former Seminole went on to play for Hampton University and then the Fan-controlled Football League. Francois is a mobile quarterback who time and time again has flashed big play potential in his career as his athleticism and arm strength make him a intriguing quarterback prospect.

The Guardians also have former Denver Broncos first–round pick Paxton Lynch on the roster along with ex-Central Michigan University passer Quinton Dormady on the roster.

Brandon Silvers – Houston Roughnecks

A familiar name to spring football fans, Silvers has seen it all playing in the AAF, the 2020 XFL, the TSL, and even the Fan-Controlled Football League, the last few years. Originally a product of Troy University, Silvers has been playing solid football in the alternative pro football scene since 2019. The 28-year-old threw for over 10k yards at Troy and spent time in the NFL with the New York Jets.

Silvers threw the first XFL touchdown in 2020 and is looking to make history in the league once again. Houston also has dual threat quarterback Kaleb Eleby and ex-NFL and CFL passer Cole Mcdonald (Hawaii) in the quarterback room, giving them three solid options.

Jawon Pass – San Antonio Brahmas

Pass began his collegiate career at Louisville making 11 starts for the Cardinals passing for 2,528 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 55% of his throws. The former four-star recruit had the tough task of following NFL superstar Lamar Jackson in Louisville. However, after missing the majority of the 2019 season with a foot injury Pass transferred.

Pass spent the 2021 season at Praire View A&M (NCAA DI FCS) throwing for 2,672 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with adding 271 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

San Antonio may pass on Pass if things get rocky as they also have former Temple quarterback Anthony Russo and ex-Notre Dame Fighting Irish passer Jack Coan on the roster. Coan is a true pocket passer who had a excellent 2021 season with the Irish, however his play style is in stark contrast to Pass’s athletic dual threat game.

Jordan Ta’amu – DC Defenders

It may be spring football nostalgia but former St. Louis Battlehawks passer Ta’amu was one of the most exciting players in the 2020 XFL. The Ole Miss product threw for 1,050 yards and five touchdowns while adding another 217 yards and one score on the ground in the XFL’s five games. Since his time in the XFL, the 24-year-old has bounced around on the practice squads of the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Football Team, Carolina Panthers, and Detroit Lions.

Ta’amu was one of several players including spring football stable Luis Perez who made the jump from last year’s USFL to the XFL this winter. This past summer, Ta’amu was the USFL’s leading passer throwing for 2,014 yards and 14 scores.

DC does have another talented quarterback on the roster in D’eriq King. The Carolina Panthers signed the former Miami Hurricanes quarterback during this past season, after King spent the pre-seas0n with the New England Patriots.

The 5’9 dual threat quarterback has been one of college football’s most dynamic weapons since 2018. The Texas high school football legend started his NCAA career at Houston putting up 4,925 yards and 50 touchdowns through the air while adding 1,421 yards on the ground.

King then transferred to Miami where he threw for 3,453 and 26 touchdowns and rushing for 634 yards and 6 scores in only 14 games. He spent this pas pre-season with the New England Patriots but failed to make the final roster. However, he might become a star for the XFL’s DC franchise.

Expect him to get plenty of time and possibly replace Ta’amu as the starter as the two are both special talents, giving Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow a good problem to have.

AJ McCarron– St. Louis Battlehawks

The nine-year NFL vet made over $15 million during his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans. Now after one year away from the game, McCarron is back under center in the XFL. The former Alabama great is one of the XFL’s biggest names coming into the season, as he brings the the most NFL experience to the table at a pivotal position.

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Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and