In the modern Spring Football era only 8 Quarterbacks have earned an NFL paycheck, with only A.J. McCarron appearing in an NFL game since 2022. As the NFL goes into the last week of preseason games Three former UFL quarterbacks are currently rostered which each one hoping to take advantage of injuries and opportunities in what could be their last shot on an NFL roster.
Dresser Winn Memphis Showboats to LA Rams
Winn is no stranger to preseason heroics, as this is his 3rd training camp under Sean McVay and company. Winn spent 2025 with the Showboats doing enough to return to LA under the same regime that signed him in 2023. Winn has an uphill battle to make the Rams, as the team has gone all in with 3rd year quarterback Stetson Bennett who improved mightily this summer. Winn's advantage? I believe it's two-fold, first he was brought back for a reason, the 4th QB spot could have been allotted to another unknown QB but McVay and Snead made it a point to bring him back. Second, the status of Matthew Stafford. Stafford's injury remains a mystery and is giving me the feeling of its bit more serious than what's being told. For Winn, if he's able to put enough good play on film, he may add another level of security of the Rams, if/when they shut down Stafford for the season.
Bryce Perkins Michigan Panthers to Carolina Panthers
If given the opportunity, Bryce Perkins may be able to make Carolina think twice about keeping Jack Plummer around. Perkins has incredible athletic ability, and more experience than Plummer which if Andy Dalton goes down could play dividends if called upon. I personally think if Perkins is able to impress it wouldn't surprise me to see him land up as QB3 and Plummer on the Practice Squad.
Adrian Martinez Birmingham Stallions to New York Jets
With Tyrod Taylor injured, Martinez has taken over as QB2 and had a strong preseason week 1, followed by a mediocre week 2. With Taylor sidelined and coming off knee surgery, Martinez may be granted some extra leeway as his rushing ability makes him an asset and perfect backup to Fields/Taylor. Martinez has the advantage of the extra reps and another year in the NYJ system, he even has some familiarity with Aaron Glenn who was with him in Detroit. Maybe if the ball bounces his way he could find himself with another year in the NFL and possibly push for a true QB2 role in 2026.
Since 2022 USFL/XFL/UFL Quarterbacks have earned 1.8 million dollars, but have failed to find the stability that PJ Walker, Logan Woodside, Josh Johnson, John Wolford, and Taylor Heinicke have from the AAF and XFL 2.0. With the UFL looking to find success stories, to continue to market their league that may hinge on the success of Winn, Perkins, and Martinez in effort to "grow the brand. The NFL is scheduled to make their final cuts on August 27th, as of today (8/20) 105 former spring league players are currently rostered hoping to extend their NFL careers moving forward.