Fresh off a 16-0 loss to the Orlando Storm, during his post-game interview Head Coach A.J. McCarron didn't hold back when it came to the status of the quarterback position.
“Everything's on the table. Trades to QB change, everything's on the table.” - A.J. McCarron Birmingham Stallions Head Coach
The Stallions are now 1-3, losing three games in disappointing fashion. Much of that has to do with lackluster play at the quarterback position. Expectations were high for 3rd year player Matt Corral however through four games in 2026, it appears the extremely talented passers time in Birmingham may be running its course.
In addition to an anemic offensive output in week four, the team also saw the extremely talented and promising Canadian quarterback, Taylor Elgersma released due to visa issues forcing Michael Hiers into action, who delivered less than exciting results.
With 40% of the 2026 UFL season complete, the proud Birmingham Stallions franchise may be looking for additional options and resources in the hopes of salvaging a season in transition. Below are five options Birmingham could look into in hopes of making their 5th consecutive playoff run.
1. Luis Perez via trade from the Dallas Renegades
Austin Reed is an MVP candidate, that at this point has entrenched himself as "the guy" in Dallas. While Perez isn't nearing as athletic as Corral, it wouldn't be the first time Perez has made a midseason change in an effort to propel a championship run. Perez is still extremely capable and able to effectively manage the Stallions offense to minimal turnovers, along with high-IQ quarterback play. Also, it'd be a full circle moment for Perez to return to his old AAF roots with the Birmingham Iron.
2. Andrew Peasley
Peasley was a high upside UFL prospect in 2025, that in limited reps showed plenty of promise this past season in Birmingham. Prior to the "regime change" Birmingham even signed him back for the 2026 season under Skip Holtz. Peasley has both UFL and NFL experience along with being a youthful option could be a sparkplug this year.
3. Clayton Tune
Tune was originally projected to be the Columbus Aviators projected starter before opting to bet on himself for an NFL futures deal. Well after several months no NFL team has called so might as well kick tires on the NFL veteran. Tune has plenty of upside that could be utilized in effort to save the Stallions season. It would be a similar situation to how the XFL signed Kurt Benkert from the Roughnecks to Brahmas in 2023.
4. Case Cookus
They did it last year so why not in 2026. Cookus led Birmingham to two wins as a starter including a relief appearance leading to a victory in 2025. Cookus is a seasoned veteran who's thrown for over 5,000 yards and has totaled 40 touchdowns. He's easily a QB that can come in and raise the level of competition in Birmingham.
5. Tanner Mordecai
Mordecai has been at the spring football fringe for several years and now could be a bit more open to the possibility of joining a team. Earlier there was speculation he could be joining the Orlando Storm however opted out/the deal didn't get finalized. Either way, the former Defenders draft pick has an impressive college resume of almost 10,000 passing yards, and has shown decent upside in four NFL preseason games.
Bonus. A.J. McCarron
Why not. If you want something done right, might as well do it yourself. The A.J. McCarron suiting up joke has been a recurring theme for several weeks, and with Corral underperforming it might as well happen at the midseason point in 2026.