It’s been a big year for the USFL. As the league prepares for its second season, they just picked up a big-time name. QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, formerly of the Toronto Argonauts, is signing with the New Orleans Breakers.
BREAKING: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson has signed with the @USFLBreakers ahead of the 2023 #USFL season.
The long-time CFL vet is now back in the States, and will fight for a starting gig in the #USFL with New Orleans. Going to be quite the battle in training camp this year! pic.twitter.com/xbnKos9ARj
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 22, 2023
This is a major signing for the league. The USFL just signed one of the CFL’s premier quarterbacks – one who has Grey Cup pedigree with the Argonauts. In 2022, Bethel-Thompson led the CFL in passing yards, leading Toronto to a Grey Cup victory.
Now, he shifts focus back to the states, after spending the last five years in Canada. McLeod has had quite the journey up to this point, playing in multiple spring leagues – and the NFL – over the course of his 12 year professional career.
Mcleod Bethel-Thompson announces on Instagram he will be leaving the #CFL and headed to the New Orleans Breakers in the #USFL pic.twitter.com/9HDjpGWio8
— Sarah Said (@sarahannesaid) February 22, 2023
In fact, McLeod even played in The Spring League during their fall 2020 season. He helped lead the Aviators to the Championship game, but unfortunately was unable to join the team for the final week.
Without a doubt, McLeod brings quite a bit of talent to the Breakers’ QB room. Given his professional resume, one would assume that he should win the starting job – and for good reason. That being said, New Orleans will have quite the battle in training camp.
New Orleans Breakers Quarterbacks:
Aqeel Glass
Davis Cheeks
McLeod Bethel-Thompson
Zach Smith
The Breakers will have to find the right replacement for Kyle Sloter, who helped lead them to the playoffs last year. New HC John DeFilippo has some excellent options to pick from, so it will be intriguing to see how everything unfolds in March when training camp begins.
What do you think of McLeod Bethel-Thompson signing with the Breakers? Is this the right move for the USFL? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
