The former DC Defenders quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu, has officially signed with an NFL team. Roster cuts will happen soon, but to have the opportunity is one of the greatest parts of the XFL. Ta’amu has officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings, giving him the opportunity to fight for a roster spot. Here is a look back at Ta’amu’s career, including the 2023 season with the Defenders, and the odds he will make the 53-man roster.
Jordan Ta’amu’s Professional History and 2023
Before joining the 2023 XFL, Ta’amu signed with the Houston Texans in 2019. He was released before the regular season began, something he has dealt with numerous times in the NFL. After being released by the Texans, the quarterback signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2020’s version of the XFL. As known, that league never even had one full season. Following his time there, Ta’amu jumped around numerous NFL teams. These include the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, then football team, and the Carolina Panthers.
Former DC Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu (10) – Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
In 2022, the USFL had its first season. Ta’amu was presented with the opportunity to play with the Tampa Bay Bandits. This was the last team that Ta’amu was on before joining the DC Defenders. The Defenders had a strong season, despite coming up short in the championship game. They were the team to beat. Unfortunately, they didn’t win it all but they will look to it in 2024. Their defense may have been the studs, but Ta’amu had some strong games that helped lead the team to the championship.
In the 2023 season, Ta’amu came in third in passing yards in the regular season. He ended up with 143 completions for 1,894 yards, according to the XFL. He also had 14 passing touchdowns compared to just three interceptions. Ta’amu is a dual-threat quarterback, ending the season with 298 rushing yards. He also had three rushing touchdowns. Ta’amu has not had the most stable career in terms of being on one team for a solid amount of time, but he is always looking for a chance to play.
Former Tampa Bay Bandits QB Jordan Ta’amu (10) – Butch Dill/AP Photo
Jordan Ta’amu’s Chances to Make the Roster
The Vikings made the move official on Monday, August 21st. The first word of Ta’amu feting a workout came over the weekend. I think we all understand that Ta’amu is not about to go out and be the starter for the Vikings. As of now, it seems like Nick Mullens will be the second string. Could Ta’amu compete for that third string? Maybe. Perhaps the Vikings could opt to keep Ta’amu as the additional active quarterback on game day, who can only play if all the other quarterbacks are injured.
Unfortunately, Ta’amu will more than likely not get much game action in the NFL this season. It is still a great opportunity for him. The XFL has done well with giving players a chance in the NFL. He is not the first player, and he will not be the last as long as this XFL is around. Roster cuts are not in waves anymore, either. Unless the Vikings release Ta’amu to make room for someone else, there will be a little while until anyone finds out if he makes the 53-man roster.
Former Ole Miss QB Jordan Ta’amu (10) – Cameron Brooks/Ole Miss Athletics Instagram/Twitter: @OleMissPix
If he does get cut from the Vikings, another team may be able to grab him as well. Perhaps a team that finds out throughout preseason that they do need the quarterback depth. Even if he ends up on a team’s practice squad, that is still a season of practicing. The Vikings will play their final preseason game on August 26th against the Arizona Cardinals. XFL fans should try to tune into the game in case Jordan Ta’amu takes the field.
