The 2020 NFL season has officially kicked off! Leading up to the season we saw a lot of former XFL players get tryouts and even signed by multiple NFL franchises. When teams were forced to make cuts, we saw a lot of those guys move from the main roster to the practice squad.
Although the season has begun, teams are still looking for new talent. Just earlier we reported that former Houston Roughnecks kicker Sergio Castillo had worked out with the Cleveland Browns. Well. we have another name to add to the list.
Former Dallas Renegades wide receiver Jeff Badet has joined the Washington Football Team’s practice squad.
A speedy addition to Washington's practice squad. https://t.co/eEveo8YwU2
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 17, 2020
Badet declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, but was not selected by any of the league’s 32 teams, and later signed as an undrafted free agent for the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in all four of the team’s preseason games, totalling 5 receptions for 34 yards. He was placed on the team’s concussion protocol after the Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but returned to continue for the team’s next three games. He was placed on the team’s practice squad before the start of the season. In June 2019, he participated in the 40 Yards of Gold contest to determine the fastest player in the NFL, and was given a $25,000 check he determined to be worthless.
He re-signed with the Vikings and was given a $75,000 bonus to keep him away from the New York Jets, who were also pursuing him. He appeared in the team’s four 2019 preseason games, seeing limited snaps, touching the ball just twice for 17 yards. Badet was hampered by a groin injury that forced him to miss several practices. He was cut by the Vikings before the start of the 2019 NFL season. In October 2019, he tried out for the Green Bay Packers, but failed to make the team.
Badet declared for the 2020 XFL Draft, impressing team scouts at various combines, was selected as the fourth pick of the skills position phase by the Dallas Renegades. Badet became popular in the pre-season due to his unique face-masks that featured Allen Iverson, Michael Jackson, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
.@JeffBadet__’s Allen Iverson “Practice?!” visor is 𝐮 𝐧 𝐫 𝐞 𝐚 𝐥 pic.twitter.com/dKomX7KmH7
— XFL (@XFL2023) January 7, 2020
During the XFL’s short five-game season, Badet racked up 16 receptions totaling 108 yards. It’s great to see these former XFL players get an opportunity to continue their careers in the NFL.
We’re looking forward to when we can report on XFL signings, but until ten we’ll keep you posted as more XFL guys get their shot.
