With limited opportunities now in the United States, several more XFL and USFL alums make their way up North in hopes of extending their pro football careers. After the first wave of “draft pool” players made their way up North on January 6th, 2024 approximately at least Seven others (with more counting) have begun signing with CFL teams after the January 15th Dispersal Draft.
Quarterbacks:
James Morgan, Eric Barriere, and Steven Montez all elected to join CFL over the past Two days, after Monday’s Draft. Morgan spent 2023 with the Maulers after bouncing around several NFL practice squads since 2020, and opened the season as there starter however, underperformed opening the door to Troy Williams. Morgan now joins the Montreal Alouettes as his 7th team across Three leagues.
Barriere joined the USFL in 2022 with the Michigan Panthers appearing in Two games during his “rookie” season. In 2023 Barriere was waived and claimed by the Generals finishing the year with “New Jersey”. Barriere would heads to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he will battle his former USFL teammate Dakota Prukop for the QB2 job. Winnipeg recently traded Dru Brown to Ottawa, allowing for an opportunity for Barriere to compete.
Steven Montez was the QB2 for the Seattle Dragons after spending parts of Three seasons with the Washington Football Team, and Detroit Lions. Montez now signs with Edmonton Elks, who roster Canadian Native Tre Ford, and 2023 Breakers QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Offensive Players:
Former Vipers Running Back DeAndre Torrey was the 1st player this week to be announcing his plans to go up North. Torrey spent 2022 with the Michigan Panthers earning a contract with the Eagles before being released during training camp. Torrey would then spend the spring of 2023 with the Vegas Vipers having an increased workload especially as a Kick Returner for Vegas. Torrey finished the season with 484 All-Purpose Yards (401 Kick Return, 35 Receiving, 48 Rushing), Torrey now heads to the Toronto Argonauts in 2024.
Offensive Linemen Jachai Baker and Brendan Bordner both Tackles have also signed up north with the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats respectively. Baker had stints with the Guardians and Roughnecks appearing in 4 games with 2 starts. Bordner was an LOI signing with the Brahmas who was not protected by San Antonio.
Defensive Players:
Defensive Lineman Daniel Joseph (Seattle Sea Dragons), and Trevon Mason (Houston Roughnecks) have signed contracts with the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks. Mason started all 10 games with the Roughnecks while Joseph was a reserve Defensive Lineman for Seattle recording Two sacks in Seven games. Mason was released in June by Houston and signed with the Orlando Guardians later in the year.
The CFL also snagged up Three Defensive Backs to round out the past week of Dispersal Draft and USFL/XFL player movements. Jalen Green who signed with the Houston Gamblers but never appeared in a game, He now goes up North joining Steven Montez with the Edmonton Elks. Former FCS standout Shabari Davis joins the Hamilton Ti-Cats after appearing in one game for the Sea Dragons while, DC Defenders L.O.I Signee joins the Calgary Stampeders for 2024.
With the completion of the UFL’s 2nd Dispersal Draft and UFL Free Agency in full force, the remaining players left over from the last several weeks of uncertainty may continue to journey up to the CFL in hopes of extending their career or in some cases starting it. With over 60 roster spots still open and over 100 players from the “defunct” UFL teams still free agents players will now look to all options in an effort to play the game they love.
