In the last couple of weeks, many USFL players like Alex McGough, Josh Butler, Deion Cain, Levi Bell, and others are being released from their USFL contracts to sign with NFL teams. In the NFL, players cannot be signed unless they are free agents.
However, players being released from their USFL contracts is a disservice to them. There is a chance that a majority of them will be cut during training camp and become free agents. These are the players you do not want to lose to another league.
As I’ve said before in my previous posts, the USFL should be doing all it can to keep these players from going to the NFL. They are a business after all and like any league, you want these players to stick around which will help grow the league to create a better on-the-field product.
Unfortunately, many of these players are using the USFL to get back into the NFL because that’s where the money is at. How can the USFL accommodate them by letting these guys go and try out for the NFL without releasing them?
The USFL should add a new clause to the contracts that will allow players to sign with NFL teams after the season without having their contracts terminated from the USFL. This would allow them to pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL. During training camp, if that NFL team releases a player, they will return to their USFL teams to continue their careers. On the other side, if they make an NFL roster spot, their contracts are automatically terminated.
Players are looking for security that includes not wanting to lose their spots if they get cut by an NFL team. This is where the new USFL contracts would allow them to continue to pursue the NFL dream while still having a place to play if they do not make it. Not only will this help keep these players in the league but it could also attract new players looking for an opportunity to play football. There are players out there who are looking for second chances whether it is disciplinary issues, injuries, or someone who cannot get on a roster because of their height.
These players want to play football and the USFL is a great league to showcase their talent on the field. The USFL is a league of opportunity and so far, many players have put themselves on the map which has led to them earning these tryouts or better yet making it to the NFL.
The league needs to continue to send the message that these players not only can play in the USFL, but if an opportunity comes calling for an NFL tryout, they can go without having their contract terminated unless they make it to an NFL roster. I think this would help recruit more players to the league while continuing to build a great product for years to come.
