The XFL has risen and started to make waves through its start with new unconventional and different rules. Some of the league’s players have had their stock rise and have the potential to land on an NFL squad. The Chiefs have a history of signing players out of a start-up league. For example, last year the Chiefs signed Keith Reaser off the Orlando Apollo of the AAF. With the rise of certain players, there are three players the Chiefs should sign.
Tarvarus McFadden
McFadden is a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Vipers. McFadden has a connection to the Chiefs as the team brought him in for a rookie minicamp tryout. He didn’t make it past the tryout but has experience under his belt that could get him another opportunity with the Chiefs. In the Vipers five games this season, McFadden saw success with two interceptions, including a 78-yard return touchdown, and three passes defended.
McFadden went undrafted out of Florida State in 2018. He displays great length and size at 6’2, 205 pounds. His size and length could put him on the radar for multiple teams and get him a chance to play at the highest level.
Deatrick Nichols
Nichols is a CB for the Houston Roughnecks, who has had success in five games in the XFL. In those five games, Nichols was highly-productive as he led the entire league with three interceptions, six passes defended, and one sack. Like McFadden, Nichols has been on an NFL squad. In 2018, Nichols was on the Arizona Cardinals but was waived as a part of the final roster cuts before the 2019 season.
Nichols has shown his explosiveness. Out of college, he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash, which shows he has the speed to play in the NFL. The one thing against him is his size at 5’9. However, despite his smaller size, Nichols has been one of the best CBs in the XFL. With his play, an NFL team will give him a shot and the Chiefs can look to add an explosive corner.
Cam Phillips
Phillips is a WR on the Houston Roughnecks, where he has been an electric piece of the Roughneck offense. Phillips led the XFL with 455 receiving yards, 31 receptions, and 9 touchdowns. According to PFF, Phillips also led the league in passer rating when targeted by his QB, P.J. Walker. Phillips has great hands and does a great job of gaining yards after the catch and contact. On top of his receiving skills, he is also a great blocker in the run game.
With his terrific production through five games of the XFL season, there will be competition in signing Phillips. The Chiefs could definitely add him as Demarcus Robinson is a free agent and Sammy Watkins could be traded or released by the team if he doesn’t take a pay cut. The Chiefs have the benefit of Patrick Mahomes who is the best QB in the NFL and can attract Phillips to the team. With the Chiefs in WR limbo, adding Phillips could be a cheap signing that has the potential to pay dividends.
