Wide receiver Whop Philyor – Indiana University (iuhoosiers.com)
On February 29, 2024, the Houston Roughnecks released cornerbacks Nick Grant and Shahman Moore, leaving space for them to sign wide receiver Whop Philyor.
The announcement of the team’s first cuts comes less than a week into training camp – 10 days before the first round of training camp roster cuts on Mar. 10. Each team will need to cut down to 57 players by this deadline.
Nick Grant and Shahman Moore
Grant started nine games for the Roughnecks (formerly Gamblers) during the 2023 USFL season – recording 28 tackles. Before his stint with Houston, he had no professional experience outside of a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals after going undrafted out of Virginia in 2022. He totaled 138 tackles, 24 passes defended, and four interceptions in 59 games over his five-year collegiate career with the Cavaliers.
Meanwhile, Moore was signed by the Roughnecks just last month before being released today. He had earned tryout opportunities with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of West Florida in 2022 but couldn’t earn a roster spot. He played in two games with the IFL’s Arizona Wranglers in 2023.
Whop Philyor
With two open roster spots after releasing Grant and Moore, the Roughnecks used one of them to sign Philyor – formerly of the Michigan Panthers.
Philyor is Indiana’s all-time leader in double-digit catch games (seven). He also ranks fourth in receptions (180) and is tied for fourth in 100-yard games (seven). His junior year with the Hoosiers saw him earn Second-Team All-Big 10 honors as he recorded career-highs across the board, with 70 receptions for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns. He entered his senior season in 2020 on the Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist, but his production saw a slight dip from the prior season as he recorded 54 catches for 495 yards and three touchdowns.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Philyor as an undrafted free agent in 2021 but released him from their practice squad midway through his rookie season.
Philyor signed with the Michigan Panthers before the 2023 USFL season. He appeared in just one contest with them before they released him midway through the season on May 23. He recorded no stats.
It will be interesting to see how Philyor’s role with Michigan compares to how Houston utilizes him – if at all. With the first round of training camp cuts looming, Philyor is already at a disadvantage by joining the team a week into training camp. At the slot receiver position, he’s behind the likes of All-USFL wide receiver Justin Hall and Isaiah Hennie.
Final Thoughts
The Roughnecks still have one more slot to fill after cutting Grant and Moore and only signing Philyor afterward. They already have tons of talent on the defensive side, so making another offensive pickup is more likely.
