Just like that, both of the Birmingham Stallions quarterbacks are in the NFL. Matt Corral, who spent most of the UFL season behind MVP Adrian Martinez, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
The #Vikings have signed QB Matt Corral and placed QB J.J. McCarthy on IR. pic.twitter.com/FgYh4Q4rxs
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 16, 2024
Matt had a rather interesting story in the UFL this year. He joined the Stallions as a free agent, after the merger was complete. He signed after Adrian Martinez did, but went into Training Camp as the favorite to win the starting gig.
While it was a neck and neck race, Skip Holtz ultimately decided to roll with Matt Corral as the starter. Now, Martinez saw minutes in weeks one and two – but it was Corral who started both of those games.
Former Eagles WR Deon Cain scores the first TD for the Stallions. Also, a good throw by Matt Corral. pic.twitter.com/rqTAZer2vQ
— Jovan Alford (@Jovan10) March 30, 2024
However, things shifted in week three. Birmingham’s quarterbacks made it clear that they didn’t want to split time in the same games anymore. Holtz gave Martinez the full game in week three, and gave Corral the full outing in week four. This led to the rest of the season being Martinez’ moments to shine, with Matt on the bench.
In the regular season, Corral ended up throwing for 494 yards and two touchdowns, also tossing two interceptions.
That said, Matt ended up playing a crucial role in their Championship run. In the playoff game against the Michigan Panthers, Martinez was struggling mightily against that defense. Holtz made the decision to put Corral in down the stretch, who led the Stallions to the comeback victory, taking down the Panthers 31-18.
See also
FOR. THE. LEAD!!!pic.twitter.com/QXhmxgq4hC
— B2B2B CHAMPION STALLIONS 🏆🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) June 8, 2024
While Martinez was the primary starter this year, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Matt wouldn’t be able to do the same job. He played at a high level when given the opportunity, and had a case to start in Birmingham the whole season.
Final Thoughts
Now, he’ll have a chance to revitalize his NFL career, with the Minnesota Vikings – a franchise looking for answers after losing JJ McCarthy for the season.
Without the national platform that the UFL provided Corral with, who knows if this opportunity would have been possible. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Matt Corral signing to the Vikings? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
