Ben DiNucci is a huge advocate of spring football leagues, but the New Orleans Saints quarterback believes there are some issues that the United Football League needs to address if it wants to survive. One of them is the schedule.
DiNucci was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. He lasted two seasons with the team before being waived, but the former James Madison star took advantage of an XFL opportunity in 2023, when he led the league in passing.
The XFL has since merged with the USFL to create the UFL, which is in its second season of play. On Sunday, DiNucci criticized the UFL over the timing of its season, which he feels is not conducive to players receiving a fair shot in the NFL.
"Timing of the season makes no sense. Zero chance for guys to be in NFL locker room for OTAs. Isn’t that what UFL wants? ... Best part of the XFL was timing. I had chance to go right to minicamp the weekend after season ended. Ultimately lead to me being signed and continuing NFL career," DiNucci wrote on X.
The 2025 UFL Championship Game is scheduled to take place on June 14. That is right around the time mandatory minicamp starts for NFL teams. DiNucci does not feel players who finish the UFL season will have enough time to make an impression with an NFL team.
DiNucci threw for 2,671 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023. The strong play led to a contract offer from the Denver Broncos. The 28-year-old also had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills last season and signed with the Saints late in the year.
DiNucci still has a roster spot with the Saints, so you can understand why he is so passionate about spring football. His opinion on the UFL should hold weight, though it remains to be seen if his suggestions will be taken into consideration.
