While many fans of the Battlehawks and the UFL were hoping for Hakeem Butler to earn an NFL opportunity, the 2026 UFL player of the year has been unfortunately released by the Broncos prior to the team's final preseason game. Butler who put together another All-UFL campaign in addition to numerous other awards, was released in favor of the team signing Ron Stone Jr. of the Columbus Aviators.
Butler has earned three NFL opportunities since joining the Battlehawks in 2023. At the age of 30, Butler still remains one of the Battlehawks (and the UFL's) more effective weapons amassing over 2,000 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns in 36 games. Right now the Battlehawks will retain Butler's rights if he chooses to return to the UFL if unclaimed by any other NFL teams.
The UFL has seen 69 players earn NFL contracts during this signing cycle with four members of the Battlehawks earning contracts. Butler was originally signed by the Broncos on June 16th, during the first wave of UFL signings.