The retirement of Ahlers while disappointing does allow for some Quarterback movement, which is always the most exciting transactions of the off-season in professional football. Currently, it appears that Ahlers' retirement does all but confirm the return of Luis Perez, who will be going into his 9th professional season, and 4th with the Arlington Renegades.
In addition to Perez's likely return, the Renegades will also have Division-III phenom Luke Lehnen who will hopefully take a step forward in development and also on the depth chart. While QB movement is often over-examined, and analyzed with a microscope, they are often the most polarizing signings in spring football.
What are the options:
The Draft Pick:
The Renegades still hold the rights of John Rhys Plumlee their 1st round pick (3rd overall), in the 2024 UFL college draft. JRP currently is rostered with the Seattle Seahawks and is a "utility player" for the team at Wide Receiver/Quarterback. With the Seattle rostering Jalen Milroe, Sam Darnold, and Sam Howell at Quarterback, Plumlee may be forced to fully embrace the Wide Receiver position or hope for a spot on the practice squad.
Fresh Faces:
QB Hudson Card Purdue University
I've been on the Card train for a minute, pitching him to the Roughnecks, and Stallions when they were dealing with injuries. Card has had some highs and lows in his college career, however, still managed to put together respectable numbers when it was all set and done. Card possesses a decent amount of athletic ability to give a UFL team a valuable option in as a QB3. With the possibility of QB turnover, a team like the Roughnecks, Renegades, or Defenders could utilize his services if in need of a change of pace option down the stretch.
Brett Gabbert University of Ohio
Gabbert was recently released by the Dolphins during the first week of training camp. While many will champion him to join the Battlehawks due to his St. Louis ties, I personally feel if St. Louis takes a rookie QB it'll be Brady Cook. Gabbert dealt with injuries in college, he still managed to throw for over 10,000 yards and 80 TDs in his career. While Gabbert has no ties to the state of Texas on the surface, adding another youthful option in their Quarterback room who needs reps at a higher level.
NFL Vets:
Logan Woodside University of Toledo
Could Logan Woodside make a return to the NFL? Who knows. But after earning about 4 million dollars since 2019 (averaging about 667k per year), Woodside does have a bit of financial buffer to take a pay cut in the UFL. While Woodside isn't a star by any means the Renegades have not challenged their starting QB (Luis Perez) who has amassed 8 wins over Two seasons despite being at the top of leaderboards for passing statistics, after the Renegades 2023 Championship run. Woodside could push Perez if the wins don't match the passing statistics in 2026.
Jake Fromm University of Georgia
I mirror Logan Woodside and Jake Fromm in a similar light. If the Renegades opt to bring in an NFL veteran it should be for the purpose of pushing Perez to elevate his game. Fromm has played a little bit throwing 60 passes in NFL regular season games, and 85 in 7 preseason games. In addition to his NFL earnings Fromm could be an option in "Arlington" if he's trying to have one last "hurrah" at the NFL.