The San Antonio Brahmas has made a big splash heading into the second half of the season. In light of their struggling QB room, the 1-4 Brahmas have acquired former NFL backup Kurt Benkert through a trade with the Houston Roughnecks.
It’s time @XFLBrahmas pic.twitter.com/1Sq33RNVY0
— Kurt Benkert 🧑🏽🚀 (@KurtBenkert) March 23, 2023
Benkert was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks back in December , but decided not to join the team, citing that “[the] opportunity no longer feels like the right one to pursue.”
🤟🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/TsMdvIjyad
— Kurt Benkert 🧑🏽🚀 (@KurtBenkert) December 13, 2022
Whatever the reason, Benkert has decided to rejoin the league—likely with the understanding that he would be traded to San Antonio, given it was the team listed in his first announcement.
In return for Benkert, the Houston Roughnecks will be receiving linebacker Drew Lewis.
TRANSACTIONS: The Houston Roughnecks activated QB Kurt Benkert from the reserve list.
The Houston Roughnecks and San Antonio Brahmas have announced a trade.
HOU receives: Drew Lewis, LB, Colorado
SA receives: Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia pic.twitter.com/rb9AzVP6U9— XFL Communications Department (@XFL_PR) March 23, 2023
Benkert played for the University of Virginia from 2016-17 and is notable for setting the school’s single game passing yards record at 455. He would join the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and would see himself bounce between the Green Bay Packers in 2021 and the 49ers in late 2022.
Though he wouldn’t see any plays outside of kneeling the ball twice to seal a win against the Chicago Bears, Benkert is undeniable talent, and should be a solid upgrade at the helm for San Antonio. He’ll be given the predicament of helping dig his new team out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves. With five games left to play and with the Brahmas well behind the Roughnecks and Renegades in the standings, it’s poised to be a herculean task. With Benkert willingly joining at such a time, it seems he’s definitely up for the challenge.
Be sure to get in on the conversation by joining the Discord and following us on Twitter!