Four XFL Players the Panthers Should Consider Signing
Next week, the XFL Championship game will be played, bringing an end to the first season of the revamped development league. Several XFL players who are on teams that did not make the championship game have received invites to minicamp with a handful of them expected to sign.
Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich seem to really like the way the roster is currently constructed but they will continue to add to the roster ahead of training camp in late July. Fitterer even mentioned the XFL during his press conference following the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Below are four players the Panthers should consider signing out of the XFL.
TE Cody Latimer (Orlando Guardians)
Latimer played in the NFL from 2014-19, spending time as a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos (2014-17), and New York Giants (2018-19). During his six years in the league, he hauled in 70 receptions for 935 yards and six touchdowns.
In the XFL, however, Latimer has converted to tight end and has been exceptional all season long. Latimer has logged 50 receptions for 593 yards (3rd in XFL) and four touchdowns. He's caught 76% of his targets and has been a big play threat, notching nine plays of 20 yards+ and two plays of 40 yards+, including 29 catches going for a first down (58% of his receptions).
The Panthers could use some help at tight end but I see this being more of a receiver signing. Latimer can't play tight end in the NFL at 215 pounds - the weight he has been his entire professional career.
Being 30 years old, he doesn't stand much of a chance to make the 53-man roster, but he'd be worth a look for sure.
Age: 30.
EDGE Trent Harris (Houston Roughnecks)
Harris is a perfect fit in the 3-4 scheme and has learned from one of the best to ever coach it in Wade Phillips, who is now the head coach of the Roughnecks. This season, Harris totaled 30 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
He spent a little bit of time in the NFL playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and New York Giants (2020-21). His stats in 19 career games? 34 tackles, three QB hits, two sacks, and one tackle for loss.
Age: 27.
CB Michael Joseph (DC Defenders)
We all know the Panthers could use some help at corner. Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn are the clear starters but behind them, there's a lot of question marks. Joseph was one of the best corners in the XFL this season, finishing tied for second in interceptions with four, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He also tallied 41 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Joseph played in one NFL game with the Chicago Bears in 2021 but spent much of the early part of his career on the practice squad and on IR. He has the experience and most recently, the production to get another shot in the league.
Age: 28.
CB Luq Barcoo (San Antonio Brahmas)
Another corner the Panthers should take a look at is Luq Barcoo. He saw three games of action during his brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. With the Brahmas this past season, Barcoo recorded 31 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. If the Panthers want to add to the cornerback room and do so with a guy that has a lot of football left in him, Barcoo could be their guy.
Age: 24.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:
Facebook - @PanthersOnSI
Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
