The UFL to CFL pipeline has always been constant since the reemergence of the modern spring football era (AAF to Present) that post-merger saw its highest peak. With the UFL in a bit of transition several players who finished the year on UFL rosters have opted to take their talents up North rather than wait for more roster gymnastics with the emergence of the Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and Columbus Aviators.
Bradlee Anae Birmingham Stallions
Anae was one of nine Stallions to earn an NFL opportunity after the 2025 UFL season. After spending training camp with the 49ers, Anae was waived due to an injury. He’d sign with the B.C. Lions on September 8th, and has appeared in 4 games registering 7 tackles and 2.0 sacks so far, this CFL season.
Isaiah Winstead Arlington Renegades
Winstead was a free agent (by UFL standards) and after two seasons with the Renegades totaling 43 receptions and 482 receiving yards joined the B.C. Lions on September 22nd. Winstead also earned a contract with the New York Jets in 2024, getting released during final cuts.
Caleb Johnson Arlington Renegades
Johnson spent one season with Arlington totaling 26 tackles through 10 games. He was granted his release in August by Arlington, signing with the Montreal Alouettes on August 5th to the Als practice roster. He’s appeared in one CFL game this season so far.
Joe Wallace D.C. Defenders
Wallace was in his third season in D.C. after being granted his release. The Sam Houston State alum totaled 65 tackles and 7.0 sacks across 24 games in the UFL. Wallace signed with the Toronto Argonauts August 27th and has appeared in 3 CFL games totaling three tackles and 1.0 sack this season. Wallace also earned All-UFL honors in 2025, to go along with his 2025 UFL championship ring.
Max Duggan St. Louis Battlehawks
Duggan joined the Battlehawks serving as the Backup Quarterback until a Manny Wilkins injury in week four. Duggan would lead St. Louis to the playoffs before being eliminated by the D.C. Defenders. He’d join the Argonauts on August 27th serving as a reserve Quarterback for the team until making his debut late in the season. He threw his first CFL touchdown against Calgary in week 20.
Siaosi Mariner Michigan Panthers
Mariner returns to the CFL after spending 2024 and 2025 with the Michigan Panthers. Mariner totaled 873 receiving yards on 58 receptions before opting to join the Saskatchewan Roughriders on October 21st. This is Mariner’s 2nd UFL still as he spent 2022 and 2023 with the Ottawa Redblacks.
E.J. Perry Memphis Showboats
After three seasons in spring football Perry has signed with the Montreal Alouettes to finish out calendar year with their playoff bound team. Perry split time with Troy Williams and Dresser Winn this season finding himself on the practice roster of the Alouettes.
With rosters in flux many UFL free agents have opted for a bit more stability up North rather than the volatility of American spring football. As UFL free agency continues look for more players to head up North if the opportunity presents itself.
4 Comments
by Frank Dux
As a huge CFL fan, I can say there are several former USFL/XFL players in the league that are talented contributors, particularly on the Defensive Lines. The UFL QBs coming north will be brought along slowly to learn the game from established veteran QBs.
by Patrick Rifino
I’m happy on two folds. One that the players are going to the CFL gives them a bit of stability as obviously the CFL has been around for 100 plus years.
Two, the UFL players going up north are also guys who’ve been in the league for a second (outside of Bradlee Anae and Caleb Johnson). Good to see the possibility of “new faces” in the 2026 UFL.
by Johnny the Angry Fuzzball
You have to think the new “I want this to be your last year in the UFL” kick-’em-out attitude is a factor in this. The writing is on the wall.
Of course, the old XFL didn’t have this problem; players could and often did play for both. Brutal on the body but it was a living.
by Frankj Dux
Very true Johnny. Players also played up north after the Arena League season concluded too. Those guys must have had a hard time getting out of bed with all that physical abuse. No such thing as “Load Management” then.