Liam Dobson, the third overall pick in the 2021 CFL Draft, is attending mini-camps with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints after his USFL contract fell through, according to TSN’s Dave Naylor.
Dobson was selected by the New Orleans Breakers in the 23rd round of the USFL draft in February. This was significant because players had to sign two-year contracts with the league before draft day with no opt-out clause to pursue any professional leagues except the NFL.
The Ottawa native’s P-1 visa, a work permit that allows holders to draw income from athletic events, entertainment events, and tours, was denied because the USFL lacked the sufficient qualifying revenue. He is listed on New Orleans’ online roster but has not dressed for any USFL games.
Dobson transferred from the University of Maine to Texas State University for the 2021 season. He has impressive athleticism for his frame and is capable of dunking a basketball at six-foot-three and 340 pounds.
The six-foot-three, 330-pound blocker would be an excellent candidate to replace Drew Desjarlais at left guard for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after he signed with the New England Patriots in January. General manager Kyle Walters called losing Dobson to the USFL a “kick in the rear” in February in an interview with CJOB.
