The XFL eight-city Summer Showcase tour was supposed to be for XFL coaches to get a look at players before the October XFL Draft. Around 1,000 former NFL and college players tried out at these events.

The goal was out of this big pool of players; the XFL would sign about 200 to XFL contracts. But trying out for XFL coaches doesn’t mean other leagues are not watching. According to reports, the NFL is definitely interested.

Former third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft Trent Richardson recently told Eric J. Wallace of the Pensacola News Journal that the NFL is watching.

“I’ve gotten a few phone calls, but you never know about the NFL,” Richardson said. “Hopefully I put enough out there to show I can still move and play. I’m doing this for myself and my kids.”

“A lot of people have been calling me. The XFL has been calling me. The NFL has been calling me…. The opportunity is there and if the NFL doesn’t come through, then definitely (I’d pursue XFL),”

He is not the only one getting interest from the NFL. Recently former first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) Matt Elam tried out for both the Maimi Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports;

Dolphins signed DB Tyler Patmon today, but I’m told they also worked out S Matt Elam. The former Ravens first-rounder also worked out for the Colts recently — Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 23, 2019

NFL Insider Adam Caplan reports the Carolina Panthers worked out Luis Perez. He is the former Birmingham Iron (AAF), quarterback. He also took part in the XFL Summer Showcase this year after the AAF folded.

Former @TheAAF QB Luis Perez is working out for the #Panthers today. — Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 22, 2019

Getting a workout from an NFL team vs. being signed is a whole different story. Organizations want to see how they do on the field. The XFL will be the place, and with solid play, these players could get back in the NFL by next year.