After a promising start to the season, the XFL has been forced to cancel its 2020 campaign due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. It lasted just five games, but that was likely enough to earn a bunch of players new opportunities in the NFL.
The XFL is allowing its players to sign with NFL teams starting Monday, and the Rams should keep their minds open. They could use help on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at safety and linebacker.
There are a number of intriguing options available and the Rams should consider these nine, in particular.
S Kenny Robinson, St. Louis BattleHawks
Robinson is in a unique situation because he still has draft eligibility and could be selected next month. The Rams should have him on their radar as a ballhawk on the backend, especially after watching Marqui Christian leave for the Jets. Robinson could be a third safety for the Rams, giving them a true free safety on the roster. He had two interceptions in the XFL this season to go along with seven in two years at West Virginia.
CB Jamar Summers, New York Guardians
Summers had nearly identical stats to Smith’s, making 16 tackles with one interception and two passes defensed. He went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Steelers, but he never made the 53-man roster. He bounced around with the Dolphins and Lions last offseason before being cut in August. The Rams are deep at cornerback, but Nickell Robey-Coleman is gone so adding some help couldn’t hurt.
QB Luis Perez, New York Guardians
Perez signed with the Rams after going undrafted in 2018, but he couldn’t stick around on the practice squad. He finally got the chance to start in the XFL before the season was halted, throwing three touchdown passes with one interception and 418 yards. He has the potential to be an NFL quarterback, and after shining in the AAF and XFL, perhaps he’ll get another chance. The Rams currently only have John Wolford as Jared Goff’s backup.