The NFL’s free agency period began a little less than a week ago on March 18. The XFL had to abruptly end its inaugural season due to the national precautions over the COVID-19 pandemic, so at this point the leagues players are eligible to sign with NFL teams.
P.J. Walker, Jordan Ta’Amu, and Deatrick Nicholas have signed with different teams, so on that note here are 4 LA Wildcats to watch during the continued NFL free agency period.
Josh Johnson – QB, San Diego
Josh Johnson came into this season as the most pro seasoned quarterback in the XFL. After being drafted by the Buccaneers in 2008, he spent time with 13 different teams over 12 years.
Johnson wasn’t activated for the season opener against Houston because of injury. Over the next 4 weeks, Johnson lit up the stat sheet by posting 1,076 yards, 11 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 60% completion rating. Johnson also finished top 3 in most major passing categories.
With the season he just had and his NFL experience, it seems all but certain that he will be brought in as a camp arm during training camp at the bare minimum
Potential Team Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins
Tre McBride – WR, William & Mary
Tre McBride didn’t start this season with the Wildcats, but he became the team’s best and most reliable receiver. The team traded for McBride before the season’s start, but he wasn’t activated for the first game.
McBride provided a return on the team’s investment by posting a team-high 271 receiving yards and four touchdowns. If McBride were to make a roster it wouldn’t be his first. He spent time on five NFL rosters after being drafted by Tennessee in 2017.
Potential Team Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos
Nelson Spruce – WR, Colorado
Nelson Spruce was a fan favorite and hailed as a hometown hero. Not only was he an LA native, but he had been signed by the newly returned L.A. Rams in 2016. Injuries continually cut his NFL seasons short. After a short stint with the defunct AAF, Nelson joined the Wildcats.
He came out of the gate on fire. In three games, Spruce had 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck Nelson again and he missed the last two games of the season. Spruce has the ability to make an NFL roster, but it would seem most teams might be wary of his durability.
Potential Team Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions
Jack Tocho – CB, NC State
Jack Tocho is an uncommon player with a common story. He was drafted in 2017 by the Vikings. He bounced between three NFL rosters with a stop in the AAF as well. Tacho was drafted by the Wildcats and became a bright point on a less than stellar defense.
From his safety position, he amassed 18 tackles, two interceptions, and had two forced fumbles. The forced fumbles can be an indicator to the NFL that Tocho isn’t afraid to hit, and physical safeties are always wanted in today’s pro football.
Potential Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams
Now, I understand that this list is widely subjective. However, statistically speaking, they are the 4 LA Wildcats to watch during NFL free agency. I hope they all get one more shot to shine under the brightest lights and on the largest stages.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – FEBRUARY 29: Josh Johnson #8 of the LA Wildcats celebrates during the XFL game against the New York Guardians at MetLife Stadium on February 29, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rob Tringali/XFL via Getty Images)