Unless you’re a first-round draft pick, finding work as an NFL quarterback takes extreme perseverance. Even if you play well enough to earn a job, teams are always searching for the next great QB in the draft.
Former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert knows this all too well. After signing with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Benkert spent three years on the practice squad before being waived when the team hired head coach Arthur Smith.
Benkert, 27, landed with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 and then spent some time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. The former Virginia standout is now taking his talents to XFL.
On Thursday, Benkert announced that he was signing with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.
It’s time @XFLBrahmas pic.twitter.com/1Sq33RNVY0
— Kurt Benkert 🧑🏽🚀 (@KurtBenkert) March 23, 2023
Benkert joining the XFL might actually be a smart move. Another former Falcons quarterback, AJ McCarron, was also an NFL journeyman before landing with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
McCarron, who took a pay cut to join St. Louis, has thrived in the XFL thus far. Watch as he throws one of four touchdown passes in a game against the D.C. Defenders.
Take that in, @jakesmash004 👏
Score sits at 20-17 | @XFLBattlehawks lead.#XFL pic.twitter.com/jchs3yN0M5— XFL (@XFL2023) March 5, 2023
Former Falcons first-round pick Vic Beasley, along with NFL receivers Josh Gordon and Martavis Bryant are also giving it a go in the newest rendition of the XFL.
.@TheRock new XFL league will include former NFL players such as:
Former #Browns WR Josh Gordon
Former #Bengals QB AJ McCarron
Former #Falcons DE Vic Beasley
Former #Broncos QB Paxton Lynch
Former #Steelers WR Martavis Bryant
Former #Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci pic.twitter.com/TCyiBMsUVI— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 10, 2023
