The UFL dropped some transactions last night, some of which were a surprise to many. A few teams made adjustments, including cutting talent that we expected to stick around throughout the season.
The United Football League has announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/xLwQwYtnSG
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) May 7, 2024
Aside from the Arlington Renegades re-signing two key players and losing two others, the rest of the transactions were:
St. Louis Battlehawks: Sign LB Drew Lewis
Houston Roughnecks: Cut QB Kenji Bahar, WR Isiah Hennie
San Antonio Brahmas: Cut DE Tarell Basham
Birmingham Stallions: Cut S JoJo Tillery
Contents
Drew Lewis Re-Signed
With the injuries to the linebackers in St. Louis, it was only a matter of time before they made a move. Drew Lewis has returned to the team, after previously spending time with the Battlehawks in Training Camp.
Lewis most recently was with the Houston Roughnecks and San Antonio Brahmas during the 2023 XFL season, where he posted 24 tackles and a sack. He also played in the USFL with the Houston Gamblers in 2022. Drew provides depth, and veteran playmaking abilities for this linebacker core.
Kenji Bahar & Isiah Hennie Cut
The Houston Roughnecks released both Kenji Bahar and Isiah Hennie. Bahar isn’t a shocker, considering QB Jarrett Guarantano is healthy again. Bahar was signed as the third QB for Houston if they needed him in an emergency situation.
Breaking: The Houston Roughnecks are signing QB Kenji Bahar, per source.
Bahar was the @USFLGamblers starter last year, totaling 1,712 passing yards & 8 TD's in 2023. He was released prior to training camp, but comes back as QB3 for the @XFLRoughnecks with Guarantano out. #UFL pic.twitter.com/oeLIKhYx4O
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 10, 2024
Isiah Hennie was a starting returner for Houston this year, and did struggle with fumbling the ball – losing a few this season. It’s a shame, because he’s electrifying when he protects the football. Isiah was the sole reason that Houston had a shot in week three against Michigan.
One positive for the @XFLRoughnecks: the resurgence of All-USFL returner Isiah Hennie.
After a rough week one performance, and being inactive last week, @iwh_v proved why he's still one of the best in the #UFL with 207 kick return yards on Sunday, including a 75 yard return in… pic.twitter.com/5KPK7jkMUj
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 16, 2024
Hennie finished his UFL season with ten kickoff returns for 324 yards. His longest return was 75 yards. The former All-USFL playmaker should be on the radar of other UFL teams.
Tarell Basham Cut
The San Antonio Brahmas have released former NFL draft pick Tarell Basham. Tarell had just been activated from the suspended list, and played against DC. He posted two tackles in that game. Basham had a below average 55.6 Defensive Grade per PFF, playing 23 snaps.
JoJo Tillery Cut
In a rather surprising move from Birmingham, JoJo Tillery has been let go. This is about as unfortunate as it gets. Tillery was one of the few veterans remaining on this team from 2022. He’s been one of the top safeties in the USFL the past two years, and was playing well in the UFL.
Tillery finished his season with a solid 72.2 Defensive Grade via PFF. He was a starter through week five, which is where he got injured. On what would have been a pick six, JoJo came up limping in Houston, and unfortunately it means his season is over.
PICKED OFF BY TILLERY
JoJo Tillery is slow to get up after making a huge defensive play for the @USFLStallions pic.twitter.com/o3o21OMJYJ
— United Football League (@TheUFL) April 28, 2024
While it appears that this release is due to his injury, it’s rather strange that Birmingham didn’t simply place him on the injured reserve list. Tillery has been a centerpiece of John Chavis’ defense through three years, and it is a shame to see it come to an end like this.
Final Thoughts
With only four regular season games left in the UFL, teams have to do what they can in order to win now. Houston and Arlington, despite their poor records, are still alive in the playoff race, believe it or not.
Week six of the UFL kicks off this Saturday, with the Arlington Renegades hosting the Memphis Showboats at 1pm ET.
What are your thoughts on JoJo Tillery being cut from the Stallions? Should Isiah Hennie find a new landing spot? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
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