Memphis Showboats Sign D.J. Daniel, Cut Christian McFarland
The Memphis Showboats have stumbled defensively, leading to a change. D.J. Daniel has re-signed with the team, after previously being cut in Training Camp.
Throughout the last few weeks, the Showboats have not played solid defense, especially down the stretch of these games. They’ve been outscored 53-8 in the fourth quarter across that span.
D.J. Daniel now comes back to the team, to provide some depth – and All-Star caliber talent – to their secondary.
Daniel played with the New Jersey Generals for a couple of years in the USFL. He really stepped up in the 2023 season, earning All-USFL honors with 30 tackles, 3 INT’s, and 6 PBU’s. Daniel was excellent all year long, finishing with a positive 75.0 defensive grade, per PFF.
With D.J. coming back to Memphis, a cut was made. Safety Christian McFarland has been released. The two-time USFL Champion with the Birmingham Stallions scored the first touchdown for Memphis this year, and totaled 14 tackles and 1 PBU across four games. His PFF grade was 68.9 during that span.
John DeFilippo had spoken about how difficult it was to cut Daniel in Training Camp, clearly wanting him to be a part of the team:
Clearly, the Memphis Showboats have to find a way to get something going offensively. The team has lost three straight games, completely outmanned and outcoached in those losses.
Defensively, it’s been rough. They have not generated much pressure, and the coverage has been less than ideal for Carnell Lake’s unit. General Manager Dennis Polian now makes a personnel change, that will hopefully spark something positive for this defense.
The Showboats will host the Michigan Panthers this Sunday, at 3pm ET.
What are your thoughts on D.J. Daniel coming back to the Showboats? Will he make an impact defensively? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
