XFL performance leads to quarterback's NFL signing

DiNucci began his professional career as a seventh-round pick for the Cowboys in 2020 after playing his college ball at Pitt and then James Madison. He started in relief of Andy Dalton with the Cowboys that year, to discouraging results. DiNucci ultimately completed only 53.3 percent of his passes for 219 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in three game appearances during the 2020 campaign.

Garrett Gilbert, a more experienced backup passer, overcame him on the depth chart, leading to DiNucci’s release in the final roster cuts leading into the 2021 season. He remained on the team’s practice squad for that year before being released for good as a final roster cut leading into the 2022 season.

After being selected by the Sea Dragons in the XFL’s draft, DiNucci joined former Bengals, Raiders and Texans quarterback A.J. McCarron as the only XFL quarterbacks with NFL experience. He would go on to lead the fledgling league in passing yards in 2023, throwing for 2,671 while throwing 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over 10 starts.

It’s unclear where DiNucci will fit into the pecking order at quarterback after nailing his audition in Denver. Behind starter Russell Wilson, the Broncos have two relievers in Jarrett Stidham and Jarrett Guarantano. Stidham started the final two games of the season for the Raiders last year against two teams that would make conference championship games, including a three-point loss to the 49ers. In those two starts, he completed 64.29 percent of his passes for 584 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also added 84 yards on 14 rushing attempts. Guarantano doesn’t have any NFL time after a disappointing end to his college career.

Likely, DiNucci will battle with Guarantano for the QB3 role, but his recent experience as a starter may give him a chance to push Stidham for QB2. We’ll be able to glean more once all the quarterbacks are in town for OTAs, but DiNucci should have a strong opportunity of at least winning a roster spot in Denver upcoming.