XFL makes Landry Jones its 1st signing

The XFL has found its first recruit.

The new football league announced Thursday that it signed former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones.

"We're excited to welcome Landry to the XFL as our first player and first quarterback," said XFL commissioner and CEO Oliver Luck. "He's an accomplished athlete with outstanding college credentials and pro experience, and his heart and desire to play football epitomizes the type of individual we want in the XFL."

The revived XFL is set to return in 2020 under the guidance of WWE chairman Vince McMahon, who launched the first version of the league in 2001.

Jones will join seven other quarterbacks who will be selected before the league's inaugural player draft in October by the head coaches of the eight teams.

The XFL plans to put franchises in Dallas, St. Louis, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington D.C.

St. Louis is the only city without an NFL franchise following the Rams' move to L.A.

Jones, an ex-Oklahoma standout, spent six seasons in the NFL. He acted as Ben Roethlisberger's backup for five years in Pittsburgh - starting five games from 2015-17 - before brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.

The 30-year-old also recently worked out for the Detroit Lions, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"I'm looking forward to joining the XFL and playing the game I love," Jones said. "I can't wait to suit up."

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