An XFL Standout and Former Cowboys Quarterback Signs with the Broncos

The Broncos are coming off a disappointing season that saw them finish with a 5-12 record in the AFC. At one point, the Broncos lost five straight games, including nine of their last ten games.

With a storied history in the record books, Colorado fans want to see their Broncos succeed this season. Fans still place their bets on the Broncos via sportsbooks like ClutchBet, hoping their favorite team will finally break through the eight-year title drought.

Why Did DiNucci Leave the NFL in 2022?

Having been picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft, DiNucci didn’t have a whole lot of expectations placed on his shoulders. Sure, he was the CAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, but he was not a hyped-up rookie quarterback like Peyton Manning, Cam Newton, Dan Marino, or Matt Ryan. Not many people were high on DiNucci before the NFL Draft.

In DiNucci’s rookie year in 2020, he initially served as backup to Andy Dalton, the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. It was not until October 19, 2020, that DiNucci made his NFL debut when Dalton exited the game early due to a concussion. However, it was not a debut to remember for DiNucci, as the Cowboys lost the match to the Arizona Cardinals.

With Dalton still sidelined due to concussion protocol, DiNucci started the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, he did not perform well against the Eagles, and the Cowboys did not score even a single touchdown. DiNucci and the Cowboys lost that game 23-9.

After a string of two disappointing performances, DiNucci dropped in the Cowboys’ depth chart. He did not play another game for Dallas and was eventually waived on August 2021. DiNucci did sign a reserve contract with the Cowboys on January 2022, but it proved to be another short-lived agreement.

DiNucci Takes His Talents to the XFL

After a failed first stint in the NFL, DiNucci would then take his talents to the XFL. Prominent WWE figure Vince McMahon founded the XFL, and it now has eight teams based in the United States. It stopped activities when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, but the league eventually resumed play in February 2023.

DiNucci saw the XFL as an opportunity to play the game he loves and an avenue for a return to the NFL. He joined the Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023, and he immediately made his presence felt. He excelled in his role and even became the first quarterback to hit 1,000 yards passing in XFL history.

DiNucci led Seattle to a 7-3 record and clinched a berth in the Division Finals. However, they were defeated by the DC Defenders, who then lost to eventual XFL champions Arlington Renegades.

Despite failing to bag a championship, DiNucci showed that he still has what it takes to play in the big leagues.

Can DiNucci see Playing Time This Season?

After a brilliant XFL campaign, DiNucci received a minicamp invite from the Broncos. Obviously, the Broncos liked what they saw from the 26-year-old quarterback. The former Cowboys quarterback will join a QB depth chart that already includes Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and Jarrett Guarantano.

All things considered, the reality is that DiNucci may not see playing time for the Broncos, at least for the upcoming season. Wilson may be coming off a bad year, but he is still one of the most talented shot-callers we have in the league. Let’s see if DiNucci can overcome the odds and prove us wrong.