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3 USFL All-Stars the Commanders should invite to training camp

By Jerry Trotta

CANTON, OHIO - JUNE 25: Maurice Alexander #13 of the Philadelphia Stars returns a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game New Jersey Generals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on June 25, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/USFL/Getty Images)
CANTON, OHIO - JUNE 25: Maurice Alexander #13 of the Philadelphia Stars returns a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game New Jersey Generals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on June 25, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/USFL/Getty Images) /
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NFL offseason rosters sit at 90 players and the Washington Commanders have been extremely active making changes to it. From claiming then releasing players, picking up veteran free agents and cutting some undrafted free agents, the 90-man roster should be expected to remain fluid leading up to training camp.

While the veteran free agent market still features some compelling names — including Odell Beckham Jr., Sheldon Richardson, Julio Jones, Anthony Barr and Joe Haden, among others — Martin Mayhew and Ron Rivera could explore other avenues to strengthen the roster and overall competition at camp.

Look no further than the USFL, whose championship game between the Birmingham Stallions and Philadelphia Stars will take place on Sunday. The USFL is highly entertaining and provides a great platform for players who aren’t quite regarded enough to play consistently in the NFL to showcase their talents.

With that in mind, here are five USFL All-Stars from this past season whom the Commanders might consider acquiring before training camp.

3 USFL standouts the Commanders should invite to training camp

(Photo by Jamie Squire/USFL/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/USFL/Getty Images) /

3. Chris Odom, DE

We would all agree that the Commanders could use more pass rushers, especially with Chase Young expected to start training camp on the PUP list, and Odom has previous NFL experience floating between Washington’s and Green Bay’s practice squad and active rosters spanning 2017-2019.

The only two sacks of his pro career actually came with Washington, so perhaps the franchise could rekindle its interest in the former Arkansas State star. Now a quarterback’s nightmare for the Houston Gamblers, Odom led the USFL with 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles while ranking third with eight tackles for loss.

That output helped Odom win Defensive Player of the Year honors, as no other player compiled more than nine sacks or three forced fumbles. Additionally, Odom produced four (!) blocked field goals, including one last week against New Orleans that resulted in a 77-yard return for a touchdown.

At 27 years old, Odom is smack in the middle of his prime and fresh off his most productive season as a professional football player. It might behoove Washington to feed off that confidence and invite him to training camp to see if he can piggyback off his dominant season for the Gamblers.

After all, it’s clear USFL offensive lineman can’t contain him.

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