The offseason has been rolling strong for the UFL through a week and a half, with 23 players signing NFL contracts and 49 players getting 57 workouts as of the publication of this article.
So far, the Houston Gamblers lead the way with seven players signed by NFL teams. Right behind them are the Columbus Aviators, who have signed five players.
It's been a good run for the UFL so far, as they are well ahead of where they were last season at this point of the offseason. Not every UFL team, though, is having as good of an offseason to start things off.
The curious case of the Birmingham Stallions
At this point of the offseason, the Stallions are the only team in the league that has not had a single player signed to the NFL. They have had five players participate in workouts.
WR Justyn Ross (WAS 6/17), LB Olakunle Fatukasi (DAL 6/15), WR Elijah Cooks (CHI 6/15), S Hudson Clark (MIA 6/12), DE Jayden Peevy (ATL 6/2)
It's an interesting list of players getting workouts, as there are plenty of talented players on the team who aren't getting looks.
How about All-UFL Team selection and league leader in tackles, Tae Crowder, not getting any looks after having 84 tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions? Crowder’s fellow linebacker, Kyahava Tezino, had a great season as well with 68 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Wide receiver Jaydon Mickens not getting any workouts is crazy after catching 44 passes for 587 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games.
Questions will be asked about why this is the case with the Stallions. Fans would probably want to put the blame on head coach A.J. McCarron after a failed 4-6 season and say it’s all on him. This would be an unfair criticism, as the Stallions have enough talent for NFL teams to be lining up at the door to sign.
At the same time, there were moments last season when the Stallions looked like a mess on the field and showed uncharacteristically undisciplined lapses usually blamed on coaching. The UFL coaches are there to get their players ready for the NFL, and for the moment, it’s going south for Birmingham.
It is still early in the offseason, and this is a dead period for the NFL, with teams off for a month before reporting to training camp. There’s still a lot that can change, but right now it’s not a great look for the Stallions to have no one brought into the NFL.