Despite not having a GM in place, the Birmingham Stallions are making moves. They’ve brought back S A.J. Thomas, while signing DB Shyheim Carter. This comes just one day after Birmingham added Shi Smith and Elijah Sullivan to the roster.
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) January 14, 2025
S A.J. Thomas
Not surprisingly, A.J. Thomas is back in action for Birmingham, after his All-UFL campaign earned him an NFL opportunity with the Patriots.
Thomas signed with the Stallions in the offseason, not too long after free agency re-opened following the merger. He has prior NFL experience, spending some time with the Chicago Bears from 2022-2023. Thomas totaled five tackles in his NFL career so far.
INTERCEPTED
The @USFLStallions defense picks off AJ McCarron 🔒 pic.twitter.com/v9grl5va6h
— United Football League (@TheUFL) May 11, 2024
A.J. proved to be a key piece to a stout Stallions defense in 2024. He saw the field for all twelve games, starting the final seven. In the regular season, he totaled 34 tackles, three interceptions (T-1st in UFL), and two PBU’s according to PFF. Across those twelve matchups, Thomas was directly targeted eight times, only allowing three receptions.
Former @USFLStallions S A.J. Thomas (#35) had a solid outing with the #Patriots last night, posting 4 tackles (T-2nd).@_ajthomas5 was named to the All-#UFL Team in 2024, working his way into a starting role with Birmingham. Talented defender with NFL caliber playmaking. pic.twitter.com/NxIV3uzQiX
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 9, 2024
A.J. Thomas impressed with the Patriots in the preseason, but was released from the practice squad back in September. Now, he returns to a Birmingham defense that’s hungry to build upon the shutoff they pitched in the UFL Championship.
DB Shyheim Carter
A familiar face is returning to Alabama – former Crimson Tide defensive back Shyheim Carter has signed with the Stallions.