Michigan State football: Brian Lewerke signed by Michigan Panthers

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard the name, but former Michigan State football star Brian Lewerke is getting another opportunity to play professionally.

Lewerke went undrafted in 2020 following a decent career in East Lansing in which he finished in the top 10 in some passing categories. He ended his Michigan State career with 8,293 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, but his sub-58 completion percentage and 32 career interceptions kept him from hearing his name called in the NFL draft.

Shortly after, he was signed by the New York Giants’ practice squad and even threw a touchdown in preseason ball. But he never really stuck there.

Now, he’s headed back to Michigan to play pro ball with the USFL’s Michigan Panthers.

After an injury to Carson Strong, the Panthers decided to go out and sign Lewerke to play the role of backup and potentially contend for the starting job. The Panthers could use some elevated quarterback play, so why not add a guy like Lewerke who has spent time around the NFL?

The Panthers have had bad luck at quarterback

It hasn’t been the best season for the Panthers offensively. Especially at the quarterback position, actually. They’ve had two quarterbacks complete passes this season in Strong and Josh Love, but neither has been extraordinary.

In fact, Strong had 266 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in four games while Love has had 617 yards and six touchdown passes with five picks. The two quarterbacks have combined for 883 yards and seven touchdowns with seven interceptions in five total games. Not great production at the position.

Lewerke could come in and have a chance to play right away.

Plus, he’ll be joining former Michigan State cornerback Josh Butler who was just added to the Panthers’ roster this spring.