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XFL players will be eligible to sign with NFL teams on March 23rd, according to John McMullen.
The #XFL just informed its players they will be free to sign with #NFL or #CFL teams on March 23 upon execution of an #XFL Notice of Contract Termination
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) March 20, 2020
With an influx of new free agents set to hit the market, the Ravens will have plenty of additional options to address needs on their roster. Here are three XFL players that they should consider signing.
Cam Phillips (WR, Houston Roughnecks)
Wide receiver was a need for the Ravens coming into the offseason. Rookie Marquise Brown was the only wide receiver to top 500 receiving yards for the Ravens last season. Since free agency started, they lost two pass-catchers in Seth Roberts and Hayden Hurst. Roberts signed with the Carolina Panthers, and Hurst was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. The upcoming NFL Draft is loaded with talent at receiver, but they could sign a receiver for depth.
Cam Phillips was the best player in the new XFL's inaugural season. He led the XFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. As a result, he was named the XFL Star of the Week three times.
For the third time in five weeks, Cam Phillips is your XFL Star of the Week.
— XFL (@xfl2020) March 10, 2020
Week 5: 10 catches, 122 yards, 2 TDs.
Season: 31 catches, 455 yards 9 TDs. pic.twitter.com/BC370KS2kF
Phillips was a first-team All-ACC selection at Virginia Tech in 2017. He went undrafted and spent time on the Bills practice squad before eventually winding up in the XFL. He clearly stood above his competition and is well worth consideration at the right price.
DeMarquis Gates (LB, Houston Roughnecks)
Linebacker is another position that the Ravens need to upgrade. Additionally, Josh Bynes, who turned out to be an excellent midseason addition, is still a free agent. Patrick Onwuasor also remains on the open market.
DeMarquis Gates was dominant for the Roughnecks. He was great in coverage and displayed some great ball skills.
First XFL @SportsCenter #1 play @Y_DGates clutch interception came in at the top spot today!pic.twitter.com/W88ymXJnNp
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) March 2, 2020
He was eighth in tackles (32) and first in fumble recoveries (3). He also showed the ability to occasionally rush the passer picking up two sacks.
Gates is a complete linebacker and could immediately contribute at a position of need.
Donald Parham (TE, Dallas Renegades)
In retrospect, it is almost shocking that Donald Parham went undrafted in 2019. He is 6'8" with a 7'1" wingspan and ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at his pro day. He played college football at Stetson and that hampered his draft stock. At Stetson, Parham had a big senior season with 85 receptions for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns. He spent minicamp with the Redskins and was briefly on their practice squad before ultimately joining the XFL.
Parham had an excellent season with the Renegades and was among the league's top producers. He was third in receiving yards (307) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (4).
Parham is a player with a lot of upside at a relatively low cost. With Hurst in Atlanta, he could slot in behind Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle on the depth chart.