Former Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Corey Vereen, who was selected by the Los Angeles Wildcats in the 2019 XFL Draft, is dropping out of the league over a salary dispute.
Vereen’s representation says the defensive end feels “misled” over the league’s salary structure, taking issue with the contractual bonuses and the tiers that would need to be reached in order for him to earn the advertised average salary of $55,000.
Logan Brown Sports says, after dissecting the contracts, that the XFL offers a base salary of just $27,040 with the remaining $27,960 coming via active gameday bonuses and overall team wins.
After careful consideration, @meanvereen has decided to forgo his @xfl2020 opportunity. Corey has stayed in great shape for his next football opportunity. Unfortunately that opportunity will not be in the XFL with the current pay scale. We wish the @XFLWildcats the best of luck! pic.twitter.com/CVF1Ugcv0x
— Logan Brown Sports (@LBSAgent) October 23, 2019
With the NFL minimum set at $495,000, XFL players are earning substantially less. Even in comparison to the now defunct AFL, the XFL falls well short — the AFL offered players non-guaranteed three-year deals worth upwards of $250,000.
Of course, the XFL offers a professional option for players who currently find themselves outside of the NFL looking in. And like the AFL, will at least provide the opportunity to put film on tape and potentially earn an NFL contract.
Although Vereen has decided to opt out for now, he and his representation left the door open for an XFL return in the event they alter their salary structure.
