Free Agent LB Brian Banks considers the UFL for playing time

Earlier this year, Brian Banks became the feel-good story of the football world. After being exonerated of a crime he did not commit, Banks embarked on a tour of NFL workouts, but failed to stick with any of the clubs. Banks attended a mini-camp for the Seattle Seahawks and worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs as well as the San Francisco 49ers. He remains optimistic however, that his dream of playing in the NFL could be realized. Banks joined Jim Rome on Tuesday and said that he is on the short list for two NFL clubs but that he is also considering the option of playing in the UFL this season.

“I’ve been put on the short list of a couple of teams and right now I’m on standby waiting for that call. In the meantime while I’m on standby and shooting for this goal, I’m looking into the UFL as another option”, Banks told Rome.

The UFL announced last month that it has agreed to a television broadcast deal and that the financially troubled league will return for another season. The league will feature four teams which will play an eight game schedule. The league will begin play on September 19th.

I believe that the UFL experience would be great for Banks. Rather than being stowed away on some NFL practice squad, he could valuable, actual game time playing experience. At the conclusion of the UFL season, he could get picked up by an NFL club heading into the playoffs which needs defensive help due to injury.

I hope he makes it. I know the football world is rooting for him.