Vegas Vipers Roster 2023

The Vipers are back for the NFL’s 2023 season but with a new home this time around, with the team being based out of Las Vegas. Initially enjoying a home in Tampa Bay during the league’s relaunch in 2020, the team started off rough with a 1-4 record before the league was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The news of the relaunch of the XFL was accompanied by news of the Vipers returning to the league, albeit with a new home out West. The Vegas Vipers will debut in 2023 with arguably the most experienced player in the coaching ranks in Rod Woodson, a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Special Teams

Who are the key players on the Vegas Vipers roster?

On the offensive end, some of the key players for the Vipers are going to be:

• Martavis Bryant, WR - A seasoned veteran, Bryant was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a series of suspensions following substance abuse, Bryant will be looking to revive his career and be an explosive playmaker for the Vipers.

• John Lovett, RB - A strong college career for Lovett saw him play four seasons at Baylor, where in 2019, he ran for 655 yards on 103 carries. Lovett had a short stint with the Panthers before going to the XFL. He is a player Rod Woodson is particularly excited about.

• Brandon Dillon, TE - Dillon was a man on the Vikings’ practice squad for two seasons before getting waived and then moving onto short stints with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints before being released.

• Matt Jones, RB - Jones was taken in the 2015 NFL Draft with the 95th overall pick by the Washington Commanders. A member of the team until 2017. He enjoyed short stints with the Colts and Eagles before getting waived in 2018. He was a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2020 and was named to the mid-season All-XFL team.

• Matthew Sexton, WR - Out of Eastern Michigan, Sexton got a tryout with New England Patriots, before getting a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs but was released earlier this year.

• Saeed Blacknall, WR - Blacknall spent all four years at Penn State and his best season there was in 2016. After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Blacknall spent the next couple of years bouncing from practice squad to practice squad. He was a part of the XFL in 2020 with the LA Wildcats.

A strong defensive cast should boost the defense of the Vipers with some of the key players being:

• Vic Beasley, LB - With a six-year NFL career, Beasley might be the most experienced on the roster. A league leader in sacks in 2016, and a bright career seemed ahead of me before being cruelly cut off by injuries.

• Robert Windsor, DL - A career shockingly cut short due to injuries, Windsor was a 2020 6th-round pick after a four-year career at Penn State.

• Pita Taumoepenu, LB - A pretty good prospect coming out of college, Taumoepenu played four seasons at Utah and was taken in the sixth round by the San Francisco 49ers. After one season, he got waived by the 49ers and then bounced from practice squad to practice squad before being released by Denver Broncos.

• P.J. Dawson, LB - A great linebacker, Dawson was named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his senior year. In the third round, he was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals and was considered a steal in the third round after being projected to go in the first round. After injuries limited him majorly, he was eventually released by the Bengals in 2017.

• Jameson Houston, DB - Houston had a four-year career at Baylor and his best season was his senior. After going undrafted, James signed with the Browns before jumping to multiple practice squads. James was eventually released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in August of 2021.

Who is the starting quarterback for the Vegas Vipers?

The best, and perhaps, the biggest name on the roster, Brett Hundley is going to be the starting quarterback for the Vegas Vipers.

Who are the coaches for the Vegas Vipers?

With perhaps the biggest name in the coaching ranks in the form of Rod Woodson as head coach, the Vegas Vipers boast a strong supporting cast of coaches that comprises of:

Head Coach: Rod Woodson

Director Team Operations: Temeko Richardson

Director Player Personnel: Joey Clinkscales

Offensive Coordinator: Duane Taylor

Running Backs: Marcus Lewis

Wide Receivers: Ray Sherman

Tight Ends/Special Teams: Charlie Eger

Offensive Line: Bob Wylie

Defensive Coordinator: Chris Dishman

Defensive Line/OLB: Chuck Bresnehan

Linebackers: Dr. Jen Welter

Defensive Backs: Darren Perry

Quality Control: Franco Arellanos

Athletic Trainer: Justin Bland

Asst Athletic Trainer: Annie Wilkerson

Equipment Manager: Bob Wick

What is the overall skill level of the Vegas Vipers roster?

With a defense that ranks below average on the field and a rather competent offense that lacks any major draws or supremely gifted players, the Vipers figure to be a relatively weak team in the conference.

While a strong head coach in Rod Woodson and strong QB play might make them competitive on most nights, this is a team that projects to be closer to the bottom of the table.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Vegas Vipers roster?

With a slew of veteran linebackers at their disposal, it will prove to be a tough sledging for opponents in the middle of the field.

However, their defensive line seems wafer-thin and could prove to be a major weakness for the team. They need some more bodies, especially at the end.

What are the contract details for the players on the Vegas Vipers roster?

The XFL as of now employs a constant contract for each of their players. Every player in the organization earns the same sum of money. This money is distributed in the following manner:

2023 Training Camp: $800/week

2023 Active Roster: $5,000/week

2023 Practice Squad: $1,500/week

2023 Regular Season/Playoff Win: $1,000/win

How does the Vegas Vipers roster compare to other XFL teams?

With a defense that ranks below average on the field and a rather competent offense that severely lacks any major draws or supremely gifted players, the Vipers figure to be a relatively weak team in the conference.

While a strong head coach in Rod Woodson and strong QB play might make them competitive on most nights, this is a team that projects to be closer to the bottom of the table.