The Stars have signed defensive back Daniel Isom who graduated from Washington State. Isom also spent some time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 before being released.
Isom’s Next Stop in the USFL
The Stars needed help in the secondary, with several players still free agents the roster was lacking depth at safety. Ladarius Wiley, and Evan Worthington on expiring contracts. It appears so far they have not come to terms with Wiley or Worthington, and instead turned their attention to a recent NFL cut.
During his collegiate career Isom played literally every position in the secondary. Including slot and outside cornerback. He was even used to rush the passer at times. Despite being a 6th year senior, Isom produced 179 tackles 3.5 for a loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions and over 12 pass break ups.
He would attend the WSU pro-day but was unable to participate in several drills due to a foot injury. An injury in 2017 caused a red-shirt year, and there were some concerns due to his early dismissal under coach Mike Leach in 2019. Unfortunately these all added up to see him fall un-drafted in 2022.
Professional Career Begins
The defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams signed Isom and brought him into camp to compete. He would go on to play 77 snaps in 3 preseason games for the Rams. In week one he forced a 16.7 QBR being targeted 4 times he allowed 2 receptions, 1 interception.
Over the next two games he was targeted four times and each of these were caught. Allowing 45 yards and 1 touchdown. The Rams opted to release him in final cuts. It was reported that he was wanted back on the practice squad. He returned to the team but was added to the injury list on September 13th and waived with a settlement 3 days later. After that he never returned to the Rams.
It’s very likely that the USFL is an opportunity for Isom to display two things. The ability to stay healthy and his versatility. While with the Rams, they primarily had him playing free safety of his 77 snaps 62 were at free safety, 2 in the slot, and 13 in the box. The Stars listed Isom as a cornerback but I believe we will see him play all over in the secondary in 2024 for the Stars, and potentially special teams as well. If he stays healthy he could very well bounce right back to the NFL.
Losing Sean Brown
Sean Brown has moved on to the Pittsburgh Maulers following another former Stars player Diondre Overton. The depth at offensive line takes a hit opening a vacancy behind Cj Perez who to this point is still a free agent himself.
Perez was one of the best players on the team, he needs to be re-signed quickly if the Stars want to keep him. He says he will likely return, but is hearing out other offers currently. Other teams value his experience. It will be interesting to see how the Stars address this latest need heading into 2024. Even if Perez stays they will still need to pick up a center.
