Landry

Jones

This was the inevitable result after all of America’s major amateur and professional sports leagues announced similar moves in the past 24 hours. It’s a brutal blow for the resurgent XFL, which has much less monetary margin for error than the more-established major sports leagues. This will quite possibly spell the death of the league, which is a major shame considering the weekend enjoyment it has provided this spring.

Headlining coach Bob Stoops’ roster is QB Landry Jones, who was the first player to sign an XFL contract. He injured his knee earlier this month, however, and is in danger of missing the start of the season, which kicks off February 8. Other players of note for Dallas are RB Cameron Artis-Payne, RB Lance Dunbar, and WR Jazz Ferguson.

The long-time Steelers back-up did not appear in a game last season despite a short stint with the Jaguars. Jones will compete with Nathan Peterman and Mike Glennon for a back-up job.

“We’re excited to welcome Landry to the XFL as our first player and first quarterback,” commissioner — and Andrew’s father — Oliver Luck said. The league did not announce where Jones will be playing, but it stands to reason it will be Dallas, whose franchise is led by Jones’ ex-college coach Bob Stoops. A shaky backup for many years in Pittsburgh, 30-year-old Jones’ NFL candle appears to have burned out.

They’re also bringing in ex-Redskin Josh Johnson. With Tom Savage banged up (he hit his head on the turf in Thursday’s preseason opener), the Lions are down to just two healthy bodies at quarterback—starter Matthew Stafford and backup David Fales. Jones spent a couple months with the Raiders this offseason but didn’t make it out of minicamp. Even if the Lions end up signing him, it’s doubtful he’ll survive final cuts.

It leaves Mike Glennon and Nathan Peterman to compete for backup duties. Jones struggled to stick with a team last year, going unsigned until October. He isn’t a lock to resurface.

Even with Blake Bortles’ play declining further and further, the Jags don’t want to carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Or perhaps they are eyeing an upgrade for Jones. Cody Kessler holds Bortles’ clipboard.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars are concerned about Blake Bortles’ health, though he is expected to play coming out of the bye in Week 10. Jones has been on the street since getting cut by the Steelers ahead of Week 1.

Jones has been on the market for over a month now. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Steeler is expected to find a job soon. The 29-year-old isn’t starting material but he’s been a competent backup throughout his career.

OU’s all-time leading passer with 12,389 yards and 93 touchdown passes, Jones holds 21 records in total for the Sooners. Projected for the middle of the first round early in the season, Jones showed poor decision-making down the stretch while watching his draft stock plummet. With Jones and USC’s Matt Barkley out of the picture, Matt Flynn and “bridge” QBs such as Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell will be in greater demand.