Offseason Moves: Birmingham Stallions Re-Sign Core Stars and Add New Talent
As the Birmingham Stallions prepare for the 2025 season, the team’s outlook is shaped by a mixture of key player returns, strategic signings, and some departures that leave a void in certain areas of their roster. After an impressive run as defending champions, the Stallions face the challenge of not only holding on to the talent that brought them success but also replacing key players who have moved on to the NFL or retired. The Stallions’ management, led by head coach Skip Holtz and general manager Zach Potter, has been active in reshaping the roster with a careful blend of veteran leadership and new talent, hoping to stay competitive as they chase another championship.
Key Players Departing and What It Means for Birmingham
The off-season saw several players move on from Birmingham. The most notable departure is quarterback Adrian Martinez, who has earned a spot in the NFL. Martinez, who had a solid 2024 season for the Stallions, was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s offense moving forward. His departure to the NFL leaves a significant gap at the quarterback position. Backup quarterback Matt Corral was also waived to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, further depleting Birmingham’s depth in the most critical position on the field. With Martinez gone and no clear immediate starter at quarterback, the Stallions are left in a delicate position.
In addition to the quarterback changes, several other important players from the 2024 championship roster were either waived, traded, or retired. The Stallions waived wide receivers Kevin Austin Jr. and Deon Cain, as well as offensive linemen Zack Johnson and Matt Kaskey, among others. Defensive standouts like Carlos Davis, Jonathan Garvin, and Dondrea Tillman also found themselves out of the picture. These moves, while inevitable in the context of roster turnover, leave some holes in key positions, especially in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball. The team also traded cornerback Jayden Price, indicating an intention to shift the secondary in a new direction.
Retirements have also taken their toll. The loss of defensive tackle Jordan Thompson, linebacker Scooby Wright III, and linebacker Damon Lloyd, all of whom played significant roles in the Stallions’ success, will be felt. These players were integral to Birmingham’s defensive scheme, and their retirements have left leadership and depth gaps that must be filled.
Re-Signed Players and Retaining Key Talent
On the brighter side, the Stallions have managed to retain several key contributors from their 2024 championship run, ensuring that the core of their team remains intact. The team’s quarterback situation, while uncertain, has been somewhat stabilized by the re-signing of J’Mar Smith. Smith, who served as the team’s third-string quarterback last year, has previous spring league experience and is a familiar face in Birmingham. While he may not have the same pedigree as Martinez, he is a reliable option with a solid understanding of the Stallions’ offensive system. His re-signing brings a sense of continuity to the position, and the Stallions will rely on him to step up in Martinez’s absence.
The Stallions have also brought back a formidable running back group, with C.J. Marable, Ricky Person, and Larry Rountree III all re-signing for 2025. This trio provides depth and versatility, ensuring that the Stallions have a well-rounded rushing attack. Additionally, tight ends Marcus Baugh and Jordan Thomas, both of whom were key parts of the offense last season, are returning. Baugh, in particular, was a key red-zone target and a strong blocker in the running game, making him a vital piece in the offensive puzzle.
On the receiving end, the Stallions have re-signed several wideouts, including Binjimen Victor, Marlon Williams, Gary Jennings, and Amari Rodgers. These players provide depth at the position, though none are necessarily game-breakers who can consistently dominate defenses. However, the return of this quartet provides stability in the receiving corps, even as the Stallions search for that one standout talent who can take the offense to the next level.
Along the offensive line, Birmingham has managed to retain O’Shea Dugas, Deonte Brown, Darius Harper, and Cole Schneider, providing consistency up front. Though the offensive line may still need additional depth or reinforcements, the Stallions’ front five remains relatively intact, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of their offense.
On defense, the Stallions have also done a good job of re-signing key pieces. The return of defensive tackles Marvin Wilson and Willie Yarbary, along with defensive end Damarcus Mitchell, gives Birmingham a strong base in the trenches. Linebackers DeMarquis Gates and Maalik Hall are also back, providing experience and leadership on the second level. The secondary is similarly reinforced, with the return of cornerbacks Daniel Isom, Madre Harper, Ike Brown, Nevelle Clarke, and Chris Jackson, as well as safeties JoJo Tillery, T.J. Carter, Kenny Robinson Jr., and JuJu Hughes.
New Faces in Birmingham
While the Stallions have focused primarily on re-signing their own players, they have made some key new acquisitions that could make a significant impact in 2025. One of the most notable additions is wide receiver Austin Watkins, who has returned to Birmingham after a successful stint with the team in 2023. Watkins’ experience in the Stallions’ system makes him an ideal addition to the receiving corps, and his speed and playmaking ability could give the offense the spark it needs to take the next step. His familiarity with the team and the coaching staff should allow him to make an immediate impact.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Stallions have added a number of players with NFL experience, including defensive tackles Demetrius Taylor, Joshua Pryor, and Perrion Winfrey. Winfrey, a former NFL draft pick, is a particularly intriguing addition, as he brings athleticism and disruption to the defensive line. The Stallions struggled with consistency in their pass rush at times last season, and the addition of these three players should help improve their pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
At linebacker, Isaiah Moore brings depth and potential to a position that lost significant talent to retirement. Moore, who has a solid track record in college football, could help fill the void left by Wright III and Lloyd, providing a capable and reliable presence on the field. Moore’s versatility and ability to play in multiple defensive schemes will make him a key player in Birmingham’s linebacker rotation.
In the secondary, the Stallions have bolstered their defensive backfield with the additions of cornerbacks Tre Norwood and Rachad Wildgoose, as well as safety Qwuantrezz Knight. These players bring a mix of speed, physicality, and experience, and they should help shore up a secondary that, while talented, occasionally struggled with consistency in 2024. The Stallions will hope that these new faces can provide the depth and playmaking ability needed to keep their defense among the league’s elite.
What Birmingham Needs Going Forward
Despite the solid additions and re-signings, the Stallions still have areas of concern that need addressing before the 2025 season kicks off. The most pressing issue remains the offensive line. While the team has retained much of its core group of linemen, depth is still a concern, and the team will likely look to add more talent in this area, especially if any of the current players suffer injuries during the season. A strong offensive line is critical to the success of any offense, and if the Stallions hope to maintain their high level of play, they must ensure that their front five is capable of both run blocking and pass protection.
Another area where the Stallions could use additional help is linebacker. While the addition of Isaiah Moore helps, the retirement of two key linebackers leaves Birmingham thin at this position. The team may look to bring in more competition or even acquire another veteran linebacker to help shore up the middle of their defense.
Perhaps most critically, the Stallions need to address their quarterback situation. While J’Mar Smith is a capable option, the team would be wise to bring in another quarterback to compete for the starting role or provide depth. Smith, while experienced, has not yet proven himself as a dominant leader at the quarterback position, and the Stallions may need to bring in additional competition to ensure they have the right player under center for 2025.
Despite the challenges they face, the Birmingham Stallions are in a strong position heading into the 2025 season. The team has done an excellent job of retaining key contributors, adding experienced players with NFL backgrounds, and shoring up their roster with talent that fits their system. With a solid foundation of returning players, a few key additions, and the leadership of Skip Holtz, the Stallions will be a formidable opponent in the upcoming season.
Their off-season strategy has been one of continuity and strategic acquisitions, ensuring that they remain competitive while dealing with the inevitable turnover of players to the NFL. While the departure of key players like Adrian Martinez and several defensive leaders is significant, the Stallions’ ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments will be key to their success.
The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter for the Birmingham Stallions, and fans can expect this well-coached, talented team to compete at the highest level once again. The road ahead may be challenging, but the Stallions have the tools they need to make another championship run.
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