Losman ticketed for UFL, Las Vegas
The Las Vegas franchise in the fledgling United Football League doesn't have a nickname, nor has it sold a ticket. But it appears to have a starting quarterback.
Ex-Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman reportedly will call signals at Sam Boyd Stadium for coach Jim Fassel when the UFL debuts in October. Losman was assigned to Las Vegas on Thursday during the league's player allocation meeting and draft in Florida.
Losman, picked by the Bills in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, had an inconsistent career with Buffalo. In five seasons, he was a 59 percent passer, throwing for 6,209 yards and 33 touchdowns with 34 interceptions. He lost the starting job to Trent Edwards two years ago and appeared in only five games last season.
A free agent, Losman has been unable to land another NFL job, which might make the UFL a viable alternative.
Fassel said recently he had his starting quarterback in place, and he probably was referring to Losman. But the league would not confirm Losman was that player.
Gary Wichard, Losman's agent, did not return several calls seeking comment.
The UFL's four franchises -- Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and San Francisco -- each targeted 20 select players they want to sign and drafted 24 more. The league did not release the names of the select players.
Among the notable Las Vegas draftees were veteran NFL defensive back Adam Archuleta, former Dallas Cowboys running back Tyson Thompson, former Cincinnati Bengals running back Terrence Whitehead, former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Wendell Bryant and veteran NFL linebacker Gary Stills, who played with Kansas City, Baltimore and St. Louis.
No former UNLV players were drafted. Former Utah quarterback Brian Johnson was selected by New York.
The UFL is expected to begin signing players within 10 days.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
