Orlando Guardians vs St. Louis Battlehawks @ The Dome at the Americans Center on Sunday, April 22, 2023
Season 2 of the UFL is only a few months away. That doesn’t mean it’s been a quiet offseason, though.
One of the more intriguing news stories right now is the St. Louis Battlehawks’ release of star quarterback A.J. McCarron.
Why the Battlehawks Released McCarron
For the past few seasons in the XFL and UFL, the former Alabama Crimson Tide and NFL journeyman has been a franchise-winning quarterback.
He has also been durable for head coach Anthony Becht and the team.
Because McCarron didn’t resign from the team, they are terminating his player obligations. Moments later, Coach Becht issued the following statement about the quarterback’s release.
“The UFL continues to be a league of opportunity and we have come to the decision to move forward looking at new opportunities at the quarterback position. A.J. McCarron has been a tremendous part of the success of our team the last two seasons and we are grateful for all his contributions. It’s with respect for A.J. that we wanted to provide him a clear path forward as he decides what is next in his football future.”
McCarron has had a great two seasons with the club, but the team feels it’s time to give some other options a chance to play for NFL camp invites.
Afterwards, McCarron used his social media platform to give a short reaction on the transaction.
“My phone must not work anymore to let me know when this was actually going down BUT…,” McCarron said in a social media post. “STL!! Thank you for the last two seasons. You will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life.”
XFL-UFL Stats
McCarron was (12-5) in his 2 years as a starter for the St. Louis Battlehawks. The skilled signal-called throw for 39 TDs and only 10 INTs.
Despite the individual success, the team failed to qualify for the XFL Championship game (2023). They were shafted from making the postseason.
That year, the (4-6) Arlington Renegades won it all as a Cinderella team.
In the 2024 UFL Season, McCarron returned to St. Louis and led his team to the XFL Conference Championship game. They were eliminated at home by the San Antonio Brahmas 25-15.
But McCarron sang an unfiltered tune on the McCready and Siskey Podcast while describing the UFL and XFL travel arrangements.
“I’ve had some s**t go down like from the s**t talking standout because the UFL and the XFL, opposing teams fly on the same plane. You want to talk about some s**t. You either whoop their ass or they whoop your ass on the field, and then you’re getting on the same plane.”
“If it weren’t for my kids, I remember getting on the plane for the first time not knowing we were all flying together and we were the home team, so the opposing team goes on first. So I’m going on the plane and I was one of the first ones on. I sit towards the front and I’m like looking back there and I’m like ‘it’s the f**king other team, like what are we doing’. I’m like if I didn’t love my kids, I would’ve walked off and retired then. I was like I didn’t sign up for this s**t.”
Other QBs for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025
Now that McCarron’s moved on, the Battlehawks must look at the next best option for the 2025 UFL season.
They already boast two in-house choices, with Manny Wilkins and Brandon Silvers on their active roster.
Manny Wilkins
Wilkins would be a good choice as he was McCarron’s backup and already knows the system. He had to make a start last season while McCarron was injured.
The talented signal-caller passed for 305 yards, one TD, and three INTs while rushing for 141 yards.
Additionally, he’s more of a dual-threat quarterback. He can throw with his arm and run by taking off with his legs.
With a full year of training camp and possibly knowing he will be the guy, look for Wilkins to improve his chances of earning an NFL training camp invite.
Brandon Silvers
Silvers is another potential option, as he, too, has one year under this offensive scheme.
He previously played for the XFL in 2020 with the Seattle Dragons. In 2023, he started for the Houston Roughnecks.
The only question is whether Silvers will re-sign with the Battlehawks for the following year.
Outside Options for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025?
There are two players who stand out right away for the Battlehawks.
Chevan Cordeiro
The first is former San Jose quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. The Battlehawks selected him in the first round of the UFL college draft.
Cordeiro has flash and excitement written all over him. He threw for a whopping 43 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Mobile quarterbacks work well in the UFL, as the offensive linemen typically need more continuity throughout the season.
Anthony Brown
Coach Becht also wanted to look at more quarterbacks from NFL practice squads. One player who would be a great fit is former Oregon Ducks’ quarterback Anthony Brown.
Brown is a dual-threat quarterback from the Lamar Jackson school of dual-threat quarterbacks. He’s swift with his legs and throws a pretty deep ball down the field during go-routes.
In 2022, Brown was a backup with the Baltimore Ravens. In two games, he threw for 302 yards and two INTs.
Brown is comparable to Wilkins as he’s a dual-threat passer. Brown has NFL experience, whereas Wilkins has never played in the grandaddy of pro football.
The question remains.
With only about three months left until the new season begins, we will know then who the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025 will be.
