Next Man Up: What is the Battlehawks Status at Quarterback
Image via X @XFLSeaDragons
Coming off their recent loss in Arlington, many can argue that result of the game may be the least of the Battlehawks worries going into week 5. Not even coming out of their first series starting Quarterback Manny Wilkins who despite coming off his worst game of the year still remains one of the UFL’s most electric Quarterbacks, is carted off with a non-contact lower leg injury, leaving his status in doubt for the remaining Six games of the season.
While Wilkins Week 3 performance was underwhelming to say the least, there should be no doubt in the “building” that he is the best option under for the Battlehawks in 2025 with the hopes of leading them to a championship. With Wilkins out the Battlehawks turned to Max Duggan who despite a gritty effort was unable to put St. Louis in the endzone during their 30-15 loss.
Coming into the season Battlehawks fans probably felt pretty good about their QB room. The experienced Wilkins who had spent several years in their system. Max Duggan, a Heisman Trophy Runner-Up who led TCU to the National Championship, and Chevan Cordeiro their 1st Round Pick in the 2024 Draft with a huge upside.
Fast forward to 4:00pm (CT) on April 19th, Battlehawks fans are looking at Chevan Cordeiro on Injured Reserve (out 4 more games), Manny Wilkins leaving on a cart in an air cast, and Max Duggan coming off a 2 INT performance that resulted in zero touchdowns. Additionally, they are now One play away from developmental QB Trae Self whose been with the team for less than 2 weeks, and has never taken a professional snap, along with limited experience outside of his time at FCS Stephen F. Austin.
With the situation now laid out, and the Battlehawks sitting at 2-2 the next Six weeks become extremely competitive for Anthony Becht and his team. While every time is vying for an opportunity to compete for a championship, no one can deny that the pressure is the greatest for the Battlehawks as so much of the UFL’s success could be equated to the success of the Saint Louis franchise. With that being said let’s talk about the options at QB as we pray for a speedy recovery for Manny Wilkins.
J’Mar Smith
Experience: New England Patriots, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Birmingham Stallions
Smith has reportedly retired however, many sources have indicated it was the fact he did not want to be QB3 in Birmingham Stallions. With Trae Self as the now QB3, it wouldn’t be outrageous for the Battlehawks to “jump” Self in the depth chart, with Smith as the former Stallion has plenty of experience in his Alt-Football career.
Brandon Silvers
Experience: Memphis Express, New York Jets, Seattle Sea Dragons, The Spring League, FCF, Houston Roughnecks, St. Louis Battlehawks
Like Smith, Silvers has a ton of experience from various spring football leagues since 2019. Silvers spent 2024 as QB3 with the Battlehawks so there is familiarity in the system, especially if he’s on the active roster. Silvers has thrown for over 3000 yards and 30 TDs in his spring football career giving the Battlehawks a huge boost in their QB room.
Drew Plitt
Experience: Cincinnati Bengals, Arlington Renegades, St. Louis Battlehawks
Plitt was an emergency signing for Saint Louis last season when A.J. McCarron went down. Plitt does have experience starting for the Renegades in addition to spending time on an NFL roster in both 2022 and 2023 with the Bengals. Plitt remained unsigned during the remainder of the 2024 season, but it may be worth kicking tires on the QB whose been around the block once or twice.
Jalen Morton
Experience: Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Hamilton Tiger Cats, Birmingham Stallions, Southwest Kansas Storm
Morton currently is playing in the AF1 right now putting together an MVP like season. Morton has been around pro football since 2020, spending time with Five teams across 4 leagues, even earning a championship with the Birmingham Stallions in 2023. Sources have indicated that Morton has been reached out to by at least one outdoor team, if I’m Morton’s agent I’d kick tires in St. Louis as well.
Quinten Dormady
Experience: Montreal Alouettes, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas, Memphis Showboats
This may be a long shot due to a recent article by Kevin Seifert but Dormady may be able to provide a spark for the Battlehawks if called upon. Dormady was recently released by the Showboats during camp, with rumors circulating around his role in the UFL’s labor disputes. Regardless of Dormady’s distaste in the league he is one of the Battlehawks more effective options at this time.
Other Options:
Kenji Bahar (Mass Pirates), Reid Sinnett (Madrid Bravos), Bryan Scott (FA recently with Toronto Argonauts), Easton Stick (FA recently with the LA Chargers)
While many bang the door for an A.J. McCarron reunion, the release of McCarron during the offseason may not have left the best taste in his mouth moving forward. McCarron returning to St. Louis would be a fairy tale ending for his relationship with St. Louis especially the Battlehawks seemingly having the pieces for a championship run. An even-keeled, proven leader could provide stability for the team going through turbulent times.
Regardless, the Battlehawks are most likely to go with the Duggan in Week 5, as the Battlehawks are set to take on the 3-1 Michigan Panthers April 26th in Saint Louis at the “DOME”!
