Which ex-NFL players will suit up in Dwayne Johnson’s XFL this year?

It is almost time for fans to say "out with the NFL and in with the XFL."

With only one game left on the NFL countdown, fans are likely jotting down things to do with the extra time they're going to have on weekends. Some will pick up projects, rejoin families, or simply jump into watching the NBA.

However, those still interested in watching live football will have a couple of options, which has been a rarity most years.

This year, the USFL and XFL will be taking over networks as the weather begins to heat up. That said, those still on the fence with the "newest" league in the XFL may be interested in how many familiar faces will be returning to television.

Here's a look at some of the bigger names returning to the gridiron via the spring league in 2023, according to Dov Kleiman on Twitter.

As his post indicates, wide receiver Josh Gordon will be returning to television this spring. Gordon was infamous for getting yards at a full clip early in his career, but unfortunately ran into drug problems.

The problems didn't keep teams away from the receiver as he continued to get suspended and returned over the years. However, it was eventually too much and the NFL moved on from him.

Quarterback AJ McCarron is a name that floated around the NFL from 2015 to 2020. He showed flash at points in his brief action on the field, but never truly got a lengthy starting opportunity. McCarron played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans.

Defensive end Vic Beasley will also see snaps in the XFL. He played in the infamous 28-3 Super Bowl with Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Back then, Beasley was one of their premier pass rushers, but one wonders if he can remain as dominant in this league.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch will be making an appearance in the league as well. His is a name that fans will remember as the first big kickoff for the team's post-Manning quarterback carousel.

Lynch failed to impress and served as one of the biggest misses in the first round by any team since 2010 if not earlier.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant will also be in action. Bryant played for the Steelers for four years, but was suspended in 2016 and missed the entire season. His final year in the league came in 2018 with the Raiders.

Dallas Cowboys fans know former NFL quarterback Ben DiNucci as a practice-squad signal-caller who never solidly convinced the team to move him to the starting roster. That said, he did start a game in 2020.

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When does the XFL start?

Tampa Bay Vipers v Los Angeles Wildcats

According to the XFL's website, the season opener for the league begins on Saturday, February 18, at 3:00 PM EST on ABC. Games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, FX, and ESPN2 throughout the season.

The final game will take place on Saturday, May 13, at 3:00 PM EST and will be shown on ABC.