 In 1982, Carano was passed on the depth chart by Gary Hogeboom for the backup quarterback role behind White.On December 1, 1983, Carano signed with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League where he completed 53.7% of his passes for 2,368 yards, 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in the 1984 season.The next year owner Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. folded the team, after the USFL announced that they would be switching to a fall schedule in 1986.