The United States Football League returned in 2022 after a 27 years hiatus since it’s initial inception. The league provides athletes with an opportunity for unsigned players to get film for NFL scouts and potentially earn an NFL contract. Recent success stories include KaVontae Turpin, who earned a three year contract with the Dallas Cowboys last season. Next week’s championship game between the Birmingham Stallions and the Pittsburgh Maulers features another NFL hopeful in Birmingham quarterback Alex McGough.
Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough
Alex McGough was a 7th round pick in 2018 after spending four years as a starter at Florida International. After failing to make a regular season roster through four seasons, McGough needed to show scouts he was worth a roster spot. Birmingham head coach Skip Holtz managed to unlock the quarterback’s talent this season. He led the league in completion percentage (67%), quarterback rating (108.3), and passing touchdowns (20) while rushing for over 400 yards and five rushing touchdowns. The 27 year old worked hard to earn an opportunity for a training camp invite at the very least.
Five teams that should sign Alex McGough
No. 5: Kansas City Chiefs
Behind reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have little upside in the quarterback room behind veteran Blaine Gabbert. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Shane Buchele and Chris Oladokun. Andy Reid can utilize McGough’s playmaking abilities on the practice squad to help prepare his defense during training camp.
No. 4: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made a major change to their offensive staff once Kellen Moore departed for Los Angeles. New offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will need some familiar faces to help players learn his offense. Luckily for Dallas, Schottenheimer was McGough’s offensive coordinator his rookie season. He also offers more upside behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush than Will Grier.
No. 3: New Orleans Saints
Year two of the Dennis Allen regime looks to return to the postseason for the first time since Sean Payton departed. With newly signed quarterback Derek Carr, New Orleans has Jameis Winston and rookie Jake Haener on the roster. The team also has McGough’s former teammate Keke Coutee and former Jaguars head coach Doug Marone on the staff, whom McGough played under in Jacksonville in 2019. The opportunity presents itself for McGough to become their third quarterback with a strong training camp.
No. 2: Seattle Seahawks
The only NFL team that’s most familiar with Alex McGough. He was the first quarterback Seattle drafted after selecting Russell Wilson in 2012 and McGough spent two seasons on the team’s practice squad. He’s well acquainted with the staff after working with Pete Carroll, associate head coach Carl Smith, and assistant quarterback coach Kerry Joseph. Pete Carroll would be wise to sign McGough & bring his experience to the quarterback room behind Geno Smith.
No. 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Of the five destinations listed, this seams the most appropriate if McGough wants regular season playing time. Tampa Bay’s offense needed a new identity after Tom Brady retired and Byron Leftwich was relieved of duty. Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are currently competing for the starting job. Alex McGough was in the same draft class as Mayfield and worked with offensive coordinator Dave Canales in Seattle. His experience with Canales is a valuable tool to help teach the new offense. Given Mayfield’s regression since leaving Cleveland and Trask’s inexperience, the timing could be just right for McGough to shock the league and earn some playing time in the regular season.
Main Photo: David Rodriguez Munoz USA Today
