A major goal of the "Spring Leagues" for football is to provide a springboard for players to get another shot at making an NFL roster. When it comes to the USFL, to date, there have been 12 such signings this month. Here is a quick chronological breakdown of each signing with their stats from this spring.
Brandon Aubrey: Kicker, Birmingham Stallions to Dallas Cowboys
The first domino to fall was shortly after the USFL Championship game, as Brandon Aubrey, one of the league's most accurate kickers, signed with the Dallas Cowboys. On the year, Aubrey was 14 of 15 on field goals with a long of 49 yards, while being a perfect 35 of 35 on extra points. What separates Aubrey from the others on this list is that he is rather new to football, playing soccer at Notre Dame and professionally in both the MLS and United Soccer League.
Josh Pederson: Tight End, Houston Gamblers to Jacksonville Jaguars
This signing shocked many in the USFL world, as there appear to be multiple tight ends from the USFL that appear more NFL-ready than Pederson. Pederson's father, Doug Pederson, is the head coach of the Jaguars and some argue the 'N' in NFL doesn't stand for National, but rather Nepotism. On the season, Pederson hauled in 24 catches and 325 yards without reaching the end zone.
Alex McGough: Quarterback, Birmingham Stallions to Green Bay Packers
The 2023 USFL MVP and 2-time Champion Alex McGough was signed to the Green Bay Packers to battle for the backup role to Jordan Love. On the year, McGough threw for 2104 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. On the ground, McGough gained 403 yards and reached pay dirt 5 times. McGough's dual-threat ability coupled with the growth and maturity that he has displayed in the last two seasons under the tutelage of Skip Holtz made it a safe bet that he would be in an NFL camp this summer. McGough is one of 3 QBs vying for the spot as primary backup to Love, as he takes over the starting job for the departed Aaron Rodgers.
Austin Watkins: Wide Receiver, Birmingham Stallions to Cleveland Browns
While it was teammates Davion Davis and Deon Cain that got more of the recognition and statistics during the season, the first Stallions receiver to get another crack at the NFL was Austin Watkins. On the season, Watkins hauled in 16 catches for 197 yards and 1 touchdown. What separates Watkins from his counterparts is his size. With a 6'3" frame, Watkins looks to crack the Browns roster by giving them an additional outside option.
Davion Davis: Wide Receiver, Birmingham Stallions to Arizona Cardinals
It didn't take long for another Stallion receiver to get his call to the NFL, as Davion Davis signed with the Arizona Cardinals. On the year, Davis had 39 receptions for 575 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has bounced around the NFL trying t tackletacko stick, with stops with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans.
Jace Sternberger: Tight End, Birmingham Stallions to Buffalo Bills
Sternberger led the USFL in touchdowns in the regular season with 7. He and the New Orleans Breakers Sage Surratt led the way for USFL Tight Ends and he fits the mold of what a lot of NFL teams are looking for out of the tight end position. Sternberger will look to latch on in Buffalo as a backup to one of Josh Allen's favorite targets, Dawson Knox.
Deon Cain: Wide Receiver, Birmingham Stallions to Philadelphia Eagles
The Championship game MVP finally got his call, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. On the season, Cain had 16 receptions for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, in the Championship game alone, Cain hauled in 3 touchdown catches. Bolstering Cain's roster chances is his returning abilities.
Kaden Davis: Wide Receiver, Michigan Panthers to Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals weren't done poaching USFL pass catchers to bring to camp, as they returned to the well once more, this time signing Kaden Davis from the Michigan Panthers. Davis didn't join the Panthers until week 5 of the season, so his numbers for the season don't stand out, but in the North Division Play-Off game, Davis hauled in all 5 targets for 57 yards while returning a kick 25 yards and a punt 19.
Levi Bell: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Michigan Panthers to Seattle Seahawks
Bell amassed 17 tackles and 4 sacs for the Panthers in the 2023 season. At 6'1" 275 lbs, he has the size to make it in the NFL and being only 23 years old, could find himself on a practice squad somewhere in the NFL come the regular season.
Josh Butler: Defensive Back, Michigan Panthers to Dallas Cowboys
Josh Butler amassed 29 tackles in the Panthers defensive backfield on the season.
Kyahva Tezino: Linebacker, Pittsburgh Maulers to San Francisco 49ers
Tezino, the leader of Ray Hortons Maulers defense, is the first Canton Hub player to be signed to an NFL contract. Tezino led the Maulers with 94 tackles while hauling in 2 interceptions. The 26-year-old Los Angeles native is a little undersized from a traditional linebacker in the NFL, but his smarts and leadership values may make him a rostered player after cut downs.
Trey Quinn: Wide Receiver, Michigan Panthers to Detroit Lions
Quinn didn't have far to travel from his USFL home, as the Panthers called Ford Field home in the Detroit Hub. On the year, Quinn hauled in 37 receptions for 438 yards and 4 touchdowns.