Orlando Guardians quarterback Paxton Lynch (6) drops back to pass against the Houston Roughnecks in the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Former first-round NFL quarterback benched in XFL game

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 2/22/23

A former NFL quarterback is struggling in a new league

The XFL started their regular season on Saturday, and one former NFL quarterback was making headlines. The XFL is a chance for football athletes to gain experience, make money, and potentially resurrect a player’s career so they can play in the NFL. Former first-round pick Paxton Lynch didn’t get off to a fast start to the season Saturday.

According to Mike Florio with Pro Football Talk, Lynch started the game by firing a touchdown pass, but things quickly went downhill for the former NFL quarterback:

Despite an opening drive that ended with a touchdown pass from Lynch to former NFL receiver Cody Latimer, things went the other way for Lynch. In the third quarter, down 21-6, Lynch was benched for Quentin Dormady.

Lynch’s 21st pass of the day was his last one, an interception.

Lynch’s Orlando Guardians would wind up being blown out by the San Antonio Roughnecks 33-12.

Lynch was taken with the 26th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He only lasted two regular seasons with the Broncos before they released him in early September before the 2018 season.

Lynch has not been in the NFL since the 2019 season. He finished with four touchdowns and four interceptions in his NFL career.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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