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Tampa Bay Vipers sometimes quarterback Quinton Flowers apparently isn’t satisfied with that role anymore, and has possibly asked for his release from the team according to Danny Jones of The Other League podcast:
Quinton Flowers Update
— Danny Jones - XFL News (@DannyJonesXFL) February 27, 2020
I’m hearing (from an extremely reliable source) that TB QB, Quinton Flowers, who has taken a “leave of absence” according to Trestman, no longer wants to play the role of backup in Tampa and has requested his release.
I will work to confirm.
As a follow-up to my last tweet about Tampa/Flowers.
— Danny Jones - XFL News (@DannyJonesXFL) February 27, 2020
It is highly unlikely Tampa grants him his release.
I have had 2 people tell me (separately) his desire is to play in NY or Seattle.
Again, highly unlikely that will happen.
Reports out of Tampa Bay yesterday were that Tampa Bay Vipers quarterback and wide receiver Quinton Flowers has left the team for a “personal reason.”
according to the Vipers head coach, Quinton Flowers has left the team for personal reasons but they are looking forward to having him back with the team ... @WFLA #XFL
— Gabrielle Shirley (@WFLAGabrielle) February 26, 2020
Not seeing #USF’s Quinton Flowers on the field this afternoon for #Vipers practice. Litton isn’t out here either. Will ask coach for an update this afternoon at media availability. https://t.co/PZhKP3yT16
— Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020
The fan favorite scored the first offensive touchdown in team history last Saturday in a 34-27 loss to the Houston Roughnecks. The loss dropped the Vipers to 0-3, with Aaron Murray starting the first game before a foot injury sidelined him for the last two weeks. Taylor Cornelius was the starter the last two games against the Seattle Dragons and the Roughnecks, with liberal doses of Flowers under center as well.
Though Murray has returned to the field, it looks like Cornelius will be the starting quarterback against the DC Defenders this weekend.
Aaron Murray is back. But Taylor Cornelius will start at QB for the #Vipers vs #Defenders on Sunday.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 26, 2020
If you asked the fans in the south end zone at Raymond James Stadium last week, it’s fair to say Flowers was the choice of those buying tickets by a country mile. Cornelius was often booed, and Flowers 7-yard scamper for the touchdown led to one of the loudest roars in Ray Jay this season, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and South Florida Bulls.
If Flowers were to leave, he’d likely be a prized free agent in the XFL market. That means he also might have some trade value for the Vipers as well, who might want to get something for him even if it’s at a fraction of his actual value.
Right now the Vipers are a one-point underdog at DraftKings Sportsbook to Cardale Jones and the DC Defenders this week. At one point the favorite to be the first XFL champions, Tampa Bay is now the biggest underdog at +2000.
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