The UFL has established itself as a gateway into the NFL through which talented athletes can advance. That gateway is now wide open as training camp injuries flood the league and NFL teams are eagerly scanning the list of available players, hoping to fill their roster gaps.
The Most Recent Signings
Recent NFL signings include Michigan Panthers’ wide receiver Samson Nacua, offensive lineman Jacob Burton, Arlington Renegades wide receiver Isaiah Winstead, and D.C. Defenders’ Brandon Smith.
Winstead and Smith signed with the New York Jets this past week, Burton is with the Detroit Lions and Nacua signed with the New Orleans Saints. The Nacua signing brings the total number of UFL/ NFL players to more than 35 players.
Nacua is among several Michigan Panthers players and the team’s second wide receiver headed to the NFL. Panthers Kicker Jake Bates, wide receiver Marcus Simms, and cornerback Nate Brooks recently signed with other NFL teams. Bates was signed in June to the Detroit Lions, Simms is now with the Seattle Seahawks and Brooks is signed to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Jets have been especially active during NFL training camp, signing multiple UFL players. Birmingham Stallions quarterback and league MVP Adrian Martinez recently signed a contract. San Antonio Brahmas’ former offensive guard Kohl Levao was the first player signed by the team. His signing was followed soon afterward by Memphis Showboats wide receiver Nehemiah Shelton.
Ongoing Opportunities
It’s expected the opportunities will continue to expand for UFL players during this time of year. As NFL teams deal with training camp injuries, prolonged contract battles, and the drama associated with team hold-outs, it’s hard to resist the lure of eager young UFL athletes.
When a highly sought-after UFL player is signed to a team, sometimes the athlete’s performance doesn’t live up to the hype and expectations. Bates, the Lions’ kicker has had a rough training camp. He has the talent and an exceptional leg, but Bates may lack accuracy and consistency. He has come under fire recently but the simple truth is unlike most kickers, Bates didn’t have years of experience in high school or college kicking field goals. His first real experience kicking field goals came this past season with the Panthers. Hopefully, as he continues to work with Lions Special Teams Coordinator, Dave Fipp, they’ll get the kinks worked out.
The NFL Merry-Go-Round
While it’s easy for NFL teams to sign these athletes, the question is whether these contracts will lead to actual playing time? Or, will this opportunity turn into just another ride on the NFL practice team carousel, where the player is signed, cut, and then re-signed with the same or a different NFL team?
It’s painful to think in those terms, particularly for athletes who previously experienced the ups and downs of being on an NFL squad. The contract is simply a chance to compete in training camp and prove themselves. It does not guarantee a spot on the roster or actual field playing experience. After training camp, they may wind up on the practice team. Or, in the case of Daewood Davis, or Ricky Person, Jr. be cut from the team following an injury.
It might also explain why exceptional UFL players Luis Perez and Breeland Speaks haven’t already been signed by NFL teams. Perhaps after their standout seasons, the price they’re asking is too high or more than what teams are prepared to pay. Although the gateway to the NFL is open wide, the road ahead may still be filled with potholes.
Help Us Improve!
We value your feedback and want to make the UFL News Hub better for you. Please take a moment to complete our survey and share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for your support!
1 Comment
by Ken Granito
I enjoyed this. Thank you for helping us keep track. I feel bad for the players go around the carousel only to find themselves back on a UFL, but at least that gives the player more funds to buy a home while still having a chance at the UFL.