Tuesday August 30th, the worst day of the year for many players vying for their professional football career. For 864 players their lives will be completely different and after practice squads are formed 672 players will remain unemployed. Luckily in this new age there is more opportunity to play football moving forward between the FCF, XFL, and USFL. Below are 10 players who were recently cut the USFL should target. Note this list will consist of players who have yet to play in any alt-football leagues.

Max Borghi Running Back Washington State

Borghi clearly is on the NFL radar playing for three teams already in his short NFL career. The 2022 UDFA out of Washington State has played in all three preseason games this year totally five carries for 11 yards. Borghi who will most likely be a RB3-RB4 will need to learn that the way those players get signed is their ability to contribute on special teams (see Reggie Corbin) could use a season in the USFL to learn how to cover and return kicks and punts.

Chazz Surratt Linebacker University of North Carolina

Surratt simply needs more experience at linebacker. Originally a QB at UNC, he changed positions upon the arrival of Sam Howell. Surratt who only has two years of college experience playing linebacker was a 3rd-pick for the Vikings, however, could not latch on despite playing in 9 games in 2021. Surratt moving forward, will need an opportunity to gain more experience and show coaches that he’s able to compete and has the physical toughness required to compete in the NFL.

Keke Coutee Wide Receiver Texas Tech

Now don’t get me wrong I think Coutee is a NFL caliber receiver however, it’s possible his time in the NFL spotlight is slipping away. A veteran of four NFL seasons the 2018 fourth Rd draft pick has recorded 84 receptions for 946 yards over his career however, the bulk of that happened in his first two seasons. Since then, Coutee was a late season addition by the Colts and was recently released by them this past Tuesday. While Coutee’s name isn’t big name recognition it does provide the USFL with a credible name and a wide receiver an opportunity to mentor young guys and show NFL scouts he’s able to contribute as a WR3 in the league.

Kevin Pierre-Louis Linebacker Boston College

Since 2014, Pierre-Louis has been a stalwart on all special teams-units for every team he’s played for however, he’s never been much of a three-down linebacker. In 2020, Pierre-Louis set career highs in snaps on the defensive-side playing 59% of defensive plays for the Washington Football Team. Though his skills on special teams are un-matched at 30 years old there are always cheaper and younger options to replace a Pierre-Louis. With sometime in the USFL, Pierre-Louis could fine-tune his Linebacking skills, garner film to show he’s able to contribute on multiple different facets of the game.

Reid Sinnett Quarterback University of San Diego

Sinnett is starting to have a similar career arch as Bucs QB Ryan Griffin, A QB whose kind of just been around bouncing between Practice Squads and Active Rosters since his first two years in the league. While Sinnett has flashed some ability in his first two seasons it’s clear that he is viewed as no more than a QB3-QB4 by most of the league. In two seasons he’s earned about 1 million dollars so though he will most likely end up on a practice squad, there is an opportunity for him in the USFL to showcase his skills due to financial success in the early part of his career.

Jarrad Davis Linebacker University of Florida

Could Jarrad Davis go to an Alt-League to “find” himself? Well, that depends on him. Davis has underwhelmed since his rookie campaign in 2017, and for the past two season has struggled to maintain a consistent role in a starting line-up. For a player like Davis, will he be willing to accept a reserve role as a former 1st rd pick in the NFL or would he rather go to the USFL to be a “star” either way a player like Davis in the USFL puts a decent spotlight on the league.

Jace Sternberger Tight End Texas A&M

Sternberger who’s a former 3rd Rd Pick came into the NFL with a lot of hype however since being in the league in 2019, has only manifested 12 receptions 114 touchdowns and 1 touchdown. After bouncing around with his 4th team in 4 years, consistent playing time in the USFL could help him get back on the NFL radar as a legitimate pass catching option.

J.J Arcega-Whiteside Wide Receiver Stanford

Another underwhelming receiver from the 2019 class JAW, joins a long list of Eagles receivers who didn’t work out. After getting traded this pre-season to the Seahawks JAW still did not make the Initial 53. Though an intriguing Practice Squad Option for many teams JAW at this point has possibly reached his ceiling in the NFL and maybe a stint in the USFL can change that.

Devon Allen Wide Receiver University of Oregon

Why not? The amount of media attention Allen would garner is reason enough. Allen, who was an Olympic athlete, turned a lot of heads this camp and could be a practice squad addition despite not playing since 2016. Allen’s downfall could be that he’s viewed as a one trick-pony with his only reception being a 55 yard bomb from Reid Sinnett, maybe some time in the USFL could diversify his skillset.

Josh Johnson Quarterback University of San Diego

This one is the most unlikely out of the group, but it needs to be said. Coming to the USFL would be Johnson’s 5th league and his 18th team, and while he’s a lock for an NFL practice squad Johnson is in a position that he can probably fiscally take a pay cut in an effort to put himself on the field. While I doubt, he will do that it would add another amazing chapter to his crazy pro-football journey. Especially as the Broncos look to keep him on their Practice squad.