The saw two of their cornerbacks in 2022 earn NFL contracts with Tae Hayes appearing in several NFL games for the Patriots and Panthers in 2022. While the was able to bring back Brian Allen and add to their impressive group of Safeties with T.J. Green, the Stallions did not stop. Too ease the departure of Tae Hayes the Stallions added three more cornerbacks during the offseason in hopes of finding a talented CB to start opposite of Brian Allen.
Coming Down to Birmingham:
The Stallions brought in Donnie Lewis, Nate Brooks, and Mark Fields, as it’s been a common theme for many of the position groups in the Stallions, GM Zach Potter continues to find gems on the back end of NFL rosters. Lewis, Brooks, and Fields all come to the Stallions with NFL experience with Fields’ time at Clemson earning two College Championships in 2016 and 2018. All three additions have each spent time on NFL Practice Squads, with Fields and Brooks appearing in NFL games.
Who’s Coming Back:
In addition to Brian Allen, the Stallions bring back Josh Shaw, Lorenzo Burns, and Bryan Mills. Mills, served as a reserve Corner for the Stallions only totaling Six tackles, and ended the season on the inactive roster. Burns led the team in interceptions (2) despite being utilized in a similar role like Mills. The most notable returnee outside of Brian Allen, was Josh Shaw. Shaw was the team’s 3rd Cornerback in 2022 and could contest for a starting position with the departure of Tae Hayes. It’s also extremely possible that Safeties Christian Campbell and Tyree Robinson can come in assist in the CB3/CB4 role.
Closing Thoughts:
The Stallions like almost all their position groups were able to retain a decent amount of talent in the secondary. Between adding NFL caliber talent, in addition to bringing back Brian Allen, the Stallions defensive backfield will not be a weakness for the team in 2023, despite losing Tae Hayes to the NFL. Ultimately, because the Stallions have done a great job at retaining talent overall, they should remain favorites for 2023 to return to the USFL championship as South Division Champs.
