Vikings Signing Former XFL Houston Roughnecks LB DeMarquis Gates is Sneaky Smart

Players in the XFL were dealt a tough blow when the remainder of the 2020 season was cancelled because of coronavirus. Fortunately, some standout performers showed enough to sign NFL deals this offseason.

Former Houston Roughnecks linebacker DeMarquis Gates is the latest player to make the leap. He will be fighting for a roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.

Minnesota Vikings have signed Roughnecks linebacker DeMarquis Gates, according to a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 24, 2020

Gates just turned 24 years old and spent his college years with Ole Miss, where he led the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons. The young linebacker had a few short stints in the NFL, but has never appeared in a game. He also led the AAF in tackles before that league folded.

All told, he's a no-risk signing for Minnesota that could end up paying off nicely.

One of my favorite linebackers from the AAF, DeMarquis Gates, sealing the game with an interception of Taylor Cornelius pic.twitter.com/DUpYD0YeZc
— Arif Hasan, bewares the Ides ?? (@ArifHasanNFL) February 22, 2020

The linebacker was great in college, dominated in the AAF, and was showing early promise in the XFL. He has a ton of experience for a 24-year-old who has never appeared in an NFL game. That should prove invaluable as he competes for a spot in the Twin Cities. If Gates is cut there, he has shown an ability to keep finding opportunities to prove his value to a defense.