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St. Louis Battlehawks Release QB Nick Tiano, Open Door for AJ McCarron Return?

The St. Louis Battlehawks made the surprising move of releasing quarterback Nick Tiano, which could open the door for an AJ McCarron return.

In one of the most surprising moves of the young UFL offseason, the St. Louis Battlehawks released quarterback Nick Tiano on Tuesday.

Tiano made one start for the Battlehawks last season in Week 8 against the Vegas Vipers, leading the team to a 21-17 overtime win. He finished the year with 199 yards passing with one touchdown to two interceptions while adding 51 yards on the ground.

It’s a move that now leaves St. Louis with just Manny Wilkins as the only quarterback on the roster. This could open the door to a potential return of the team’s starting quarterback in 2023, AJ McCarron.

Two weeks ago, McCarron spoke with Matty Fresh of the Springball Boulevard show and said he was still thinking about returning to the team. There were multiple factors he was taking in including the player union and pay.

After his MVP-caliber season in the XFL, McCarron signed with the Cincinnati Bengals following the injury to Joe Burrow.

Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht alluded to big news coming for the team in a since-deleted post on X on Tuesday.

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The pieces seem to be falling in place for McCarron's return, but nothing has been finalized or reported. Regardless, the Battlehawks are in a position where they need to sign another quarterback or two to the roster before training camp begins on February 23. Fans will need to wait for an announcement, but one should be imminent in the coming days.

You can follow Anthony Miller on X @ByAnthonyMiller.

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