LB Frank Ginda is returning to the Michigan Panthers
The following is a recap of UFL free-agency signings from Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.
Birmingham Stallions
S A.J. Thomas
A.J. Thomas had a successful five-year collegiate career at Western Michigan, where he totaled 221 tackles, 16 passes defended, 16 tackles for loss, and two interceptions in 49 games. As an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Chicago Bears in 2022 – sticking around mainly on their practice squad for about 1 ½ seasons before he was released. He has not received another pro opportunity until now.
Outlook: Thomas rounds out the Stallions’ 75-man training camp roster. He was good at Western Michigan, but his pro experience doesn’t quite compare with some of the other members of Birmingham’s secondary.
D.C. Defenders
WR John Hightower
John Hightower was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles during the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He appeared in 13 games and made 10 receptions for 167 yards during his rookie season but didn’t see any live-game action in the following years – spending the entirety of the 2021 and 2022 seasons on the Eagles’ and Chargers’ practice squads, respectively. Prior to the NFL, Hightower played collegiate ball at Boise State. During his senior year, he earned Second-Team All-Mountain West honors as both a wide receiver and kick returner for a season that saw him put up career-high figures across the board – 51 receptions for 943 yards and eight touchdowns as well as 26 returns for 639 yards and one touchdown.
Outlook: With Lucky Jackson and Chris Blair not returning this season, the Defenders have had to replenish their receiving corps during the offseason. Hightower is another newcomer who can contribute to filling the void in production at the position.
Michigan Panthers
LB Frank Ginda
Frank Ginda is coming fresh off an NFL stint with the Atlanta Falcons after a dominant season in the USFL with the Panthers last year, which saw him earn Defensive Player of the Year honors. Overall, he finished his monstrous 2023 USFL campaign with a league-leading 115 tackles, along with six passes defended, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Ginda has also played in the AAF and XFL 2020, where he stood out in both leagues. As a junior at San Jose State, he led the NCAA in tackles with 173 and received First-Team All-Mountain West honors. Ginda proceeded to enter the 2018 NFL Draft, where he went undrafted despite his collegiate success.
Outlook: Ginda is a huge re-signing for the Panthers, as few linebackers can make as big an impact as he does in a game. All-USFL linebacker Jerod Fernandez and All-USFL safety Shalom Luani join Michigan from teams dissolved with the merger and should make great complements alongside Ginda in the Panthers’ reinforced defensive unit.
St. Louis Battlehawks
QB Brandon Silvers
OT Jaryd Jones-Smith
DT McKinley Williams
Brandon Silvers has quite a history in alternative professional football leagues. After going undrafted out of Troy in 2016, he received his first pro opportunity with the AAF’s Memphis Express in 2019. Initially as Memphis’ third-string quarterback, he worked his way up to eventually split snaps as a starter with former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. In two games, he threw for 799 yards and four touchdowns with a 64.0% completion rate. After the AAF shutdown, he landed on his feet with the 2020 XFL’s Seattle Dragons, where he started four games before being benched due to poor performance. His most recent stop with the Houston Roughnecks was his most successful stint as a pro quarterback. He started eight games and threw for 1,551 yards and 13 touchdowns – leading Houston to a 7-3 record and an XFL South Divisional Championship berth.
Jaryd Jones-Smith was an All-XFL tackle with the Battlehawks before signing with the Washington Commanders last summer. He became a free agent when his practice squad contract with the Commanders expired after the 2024 season – allowing him to rejoin the Battlehawks. On 486 snaps during the 2023 XFL season, he allowed six sacks on St. Louis quarterback A.J. McCarron. Since going undrafted out of Pittsburgh in 2018, he has also spent time with six different NFL organizations (including Washington) as well as the AAF’s San Antonio Commanders in 2019.
McKinley Williams totaled 122 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and four sacks from his interior defensive lineman position over six seasons at Syracuse. He started in 34 of the 61 contests he saw action in. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he landed with the CFL’s Tiger-Cats midway through the 2022 season and saw minimal action.
Outlooks: With A.J. McCarron returning, it’s hard to imagine anyone else claiming his starting role from last season. Silvers is a good quarterback, but he will likely be serving as a backup this season.
At 6-7 320 lbs, Jones-Smith is a towering lineman who protected McCarron’s blindside all of last season. He’s a key retention on St. Louis’ offensive line.
Williams is a young, athletic lineman who adds depth to the Battlehawks’ defensive line.
