In a stunning personnel move that still rocks this spring football, the St. Louis Battlehawks’ decision to release AJ McCarron on November 15th has rapidly evolved from a surprise personnel change to what most are calling one of the greatest missteps in spring football history.

Initial Shock

The move came as the Battlehawks set their eyes on the quarterback position with their first-round draft pick, San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, despite McCarron being the franchise’s quarterback for the last two seasons. McCarron’s numbers told it all: 3,732 yards of passing, 39 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions to make him one of the most prolific passers in league history.

The Plot Thickens

Recent revelations further mired McCarron’s departure in intrigue. In a candid interview with McCready & Siskey, McCarron dropped several bombshells:

• Several head coaches from around the league reached out to express their disbelief
• The Battlehawks had attempted to trade McCarron, but he blocked the move
• A planned joint statement never materialized, thus denying McCarron the chance to properly thank the St. Louis faithful
  Most notably, McCarron declared his intention to “come back with a vengeance,” expressing his desire to face the Battlehawks twice in the upcoming season.

The Growing Price

McCarron’s release weighed more than that stat sheet would have carried. The true impact that McCarron’s release had upon the team has to deal with the fact that the Battlehawks now face:

1. A Leadership Void

• Loss of veteran presence in the locker room
• Departure of a proven spring football success story
• Community Involvement Gap

1. Competitive Issues

• Possible strengthening of a rival team
• Potential to face motivated former franchise QB twice a season
• Loss of institutional knowledge and memory

1. Fan Consequences

• Potential decline in ticket sales and merchandise revenue
• Community backlash
• Loss of a fan favorite who opted for spring football over NFL backup roles

What’s Next

With McCarron considering other options, here are some potential team fits:

• Arlington Renegades: May provide veteran leadership to go along with Holton Ahlers
• Birmingham: An intriguing homecoming to his Alabama roots
• San Antonio: Even with the signing of Kellen Mond, room for improvement exists
• DC Defenders: Though the recent inking of Emory Jones may complicate the fit

The Revenge Tour Looms

McCarron said the magic words: he wants to “put it on em.” A declaration like that is one of this offseason’s most compelling spring football narratives. Whomever he ultimately signs with will have a big say in shaping the UFL’s competitive balance come 2025-particularly if he signs with a team the Battlehawks are scheduled to play twice.

What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is the fact that McCarron originally joined spring football. He infamously turned down NFL backup opportunities-citing wanting to make lifelong memories for his kids. This investment in the league’s development aspect makes it all the more puzzling that he was unceremoniously cut.

With the 2025 season looming, the Battlehawks’ decision to move on from McCarron looks more and more like a potential historic miscalculation. While Chevan Cordeiro waits in the wings, the team must now navigate the consequences of releasing not just a quarterback, but a cornerstone figure in spring football’s revival.

The next chapter in this story remains unwritten, but one thing is for sure: AJ McCarron’s revenge tour will be a must-watch football in 2025.