As the Battlehawks push into the midway point of the 2026 UFL season, a surprising trade dominated the UFL "news blotter" especially after the movement of four quarterbacks the day before. The Battlehawks announced that they have traded for the "Spring King" Luis Perez, in exchange for reserve offensive lineman Corey Stewart.
What this means for Perez:
The news of trading for Perez especially for a reserve offensive lineman may have as quite a shock to many. Renegades Head Coach Rick Neuheisel stated that the trade was prompted by Perez with his desire to play meaningful reps in 2026 season. The move also comes with the Battlehawks dealing with injuries at quarterback to Michael Pratt, in addition to inconsistency at Quarterback. Despite the trade Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl has announced that Frost is the starter moving forward at this time.
While the team appears to be committed to Frost, it shouldn't be out of the realm for the team to eventually move to Perez. The "Spring King's" career has spanned over the NFL, AAF, XFL(x2), TSL, USFL, and UFL for the past the three years. He's amassed almost 10,000 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, and has led the UFL in passing yards the past two seasons.
Most notably, Perez was traded from the Vegas Vipers in 2023 for LB Ryan Mueller in which he led the Renegades to an XFL championship victory. Its also worth noting the Renegades have yet to announce their QB3 for week 5 as well.
The current temperature of the Battlehawks QB room:
Over the past two weeks Harrison Frost has put together an erratic "gunslinging" performance that has seen plenty of heaves, prayers, and turnovers. Going a 15/36 for 292 yards 4 TDs and 3 INTs, the former Seattle Sea Dragon has been extremely inaccurate and at times overwhelmed in which the team has left plenty to be desired for from the UFL's most prominent franchise.
Additionally, veteran QB Brandon Silvers who was recently benched also put together underwhelming performances in which he totaled 460 yards in three starts and two passing touchdowns. With much to be desired and expected from the Battlehawks franchise, it should surprise anyone if Perez is making his St. Louis debut, in the second half of their week five matchup vs the Orlando Storm.
Additional Transactions:
Prior to their week four matchup, St. Louis placed LB Abraham Beauplan on injured reserve, and signed LB Tuasivi Nomura to their inactive roster out of Fresno State. Beauplan becomes the third Battlehawk to have his season prematurely ended early.
The team also announced via the UFL communications department, that they released reserve LB Tariq Carpenter, and have brought in defensive back Trey Dean for help in the secondary. Dean spent 2025 with the D.C. Defenders, before his release finding his way to the Louisville Kings for the first part of 2026 including a week one debut. He was released by Louisville on April 13th, after appearing in one game for the team.