The Philadelphia Stars have signed a new quarterback for the 2023 season. His name is Kevin Thomson, best known for his time at Sacramento State, he also attended UNLV in 2014-2015, and the University of Washington in 2020.

Who is Kevin Thomson?

Thomson had one of the longest careers in recent memory. Originally attending UNLV in 2014-2015, he never saw the field due to a devastating elbow injury. This injury cost him the better part of the next two seasons. It wasn’t until 2017 he finally returned to the field in college this time with Sacramento State. After arriving at the school in 2016. Kevin Thomson was an elite quarterback when given the chance to start. 

Playing in 27 total games he attempted 770 passes. Completing 441 of his attempts he accumulated 6,424 passing yards, 52 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. The athletic quarterback added 257 rushing attempts for 1,247 yards and 21 more touchdowns. 

His best season came in 2019. He was named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year and awarded with first team All-Big Sky as well. During this season he completed just under 60% of his 450 passes for 3,216 yards 27 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. Adding another 127 carries for 619 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. 

He spent one season at Washington in 2020 during covid, but decided against returning to college for an eighth season. Given this run in college he was 25 when he graduated. 

Professional Career So Far

Thomson declared for the 2021 draft but went undrafted. He was given a rookie mini-camp invite by the Carolina Panthers but unfortunately was not signed to a contract. During the 2021 season he was signed by the CFL’s BC Lions, where he spent the season on the practice squad. He returned in 2022 hoping to earn an active roster spot. Playing in the preseason he suffered an injury that more or less ended his season again.

A stroke of bad luck, or unsportsmanlike conduct depending on how you look at it led to an injury early in this year’s preseason. A controversial hit by Titus Wall was the source of the injury and could have ultimately led to the loss of his chance in BC during a season in which they seem to have found the face of their franchise in Nathan Rourke. This left Thomson a free agent for the USFL to attract. 

With the uncertainty at quarterback for the Philadelphia Stars, they felt the need to solidify the position by bringing in a guy who is a borderline NFL talent. Given his experience in college and since then in the pro’s, I believe this will be a great fit for Andrus’s offense. Scott and Cookus showed us how much Bart Andrus wanted a quarterback that could move the pocket. None of the guys on their roster in 2022, are as mobile as Thomson is. 

Where Does He Fit?

Is Thomson a guy who could push Cookus for the starting spot? Yes I believe he can. Looking at Thomson from an experience stand point, he isn’t far behind Cookus. Before Case Cookus signed in the USFL, the bulk of his experience had come on practice squads and in preseason games. Albeit, Thomson spent most of his time in the CFL, he did the same in 2021, and again in 2022.

Cookus may have earned the trust of the fans in the process of a Championship run, but this league just like any other promises nothing if you rest on your laurels. Thomson is every bit as capable of a passer as Cookus, and he provides mobility that Cookus simply doesn’t match. This will be an interesting position to watch for the Stars in 2023.

Does Bryan Scott truly jump to the XFL after so many seasons under Bart Andrus? Does Kj Costello return after signing an NFL Deal and being cut? We are still months away from the draft, and the season. This quarterback position could look completely different in 2023.