Fansided

Cardale Jones can use XFL to prove he deserves legit chance in NFL

By Brad Berreman

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Cardale Jones #12 of the DC Defenders looks to pass against the Seattle Dragons during the first half of the XFL game at Audi Field on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Cardale Jones #12 of the DC Defenders looks to pass against the Seattle Dragons during the first half of the XFL game at Audi Field on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Cardale Jones had a good debut in the XFL, but he could use the opportunity in the new league to show NFL teams he belongs there?

One of the more recognizable names in the new XFL, particularly for college football fans, is D.C. Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones. The former Ohio State signal caller became an instant star during the Buckeyes’ run to the national title as a redshirt sophomore in 2014, which may have the time to declare for the NFL Draft.

But Jones returned to school, was benched part way through the 2015 season and was then drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 draft by the Buffalo Bills. He saw action in one game as a rookie, completing six of 11 passes, then he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers prior to the 2017 season. He spent the 2018 season on the practice squad, then was waived by the Chargers last August before briefly latching on with the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad early last season.

Jones played in the first game of the new XFL on Saturday, leading the host Defenders to a 31-19 win over the Seattle Dragons.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1226254469131796480?s=20

Jones has the size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), mobility and arm strength to be an enticing quarterback prospect. But he also hasn’t played a ton of football, with 11 college starts and the same number of pass attempts in a meaningful NFL game on his resume.

The XFL has outright rejected the idea of NFL teams poaching their players before a season, as the Detroit Lions wanted to sign LA Wildcats quarterback Josh Johnson but he was not allowed to leave. But as a natural residual of guys getting the opportunity to play, the relaunched spring league will more broadly view the NFL’s interest in its players as a point in its corner.

Next. 2020 XFL Championship Odds. dark

Jones was somebody who simply needed a chance to play football, so the XFL was built for him and others like him. If he can keep playing well and flashing the tools he showed at Ohio State, Jones should have his proverbial pick of opportunities in an NFL training camp this summer.

Home/XFL