Key Points:
- 19 UFL players signed to NFL practice squads for the 2024 season
- Birmingham Stallions lead with 7 players on practice squads
- Players from various positions, including QB, WR, and defensive roles, made practice squads
UFL Players Find Spots on NFL Practice Squads
As NFL teams finalized their rosters for the 2024 season, several United Football League (UFL) players secured spots on practice squads across the league. The transition from spring football to the NFL continues to provide opportunities for players to showcase their talents at the highest level.
Remember, being on a NFL practice squad is a win for these UFL players. NFL practice squad players make $12,000 a week.
Birmingham Stallions Lead the Pack
The Birmingham Stallions emerged as the UFL team with the most players signed to NFL practice squads. Dondrea Tillman, an outside linebacker, joined the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. Wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. found a spot with the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Adrian Martinez signed with the New York Jets, while tight end Jordan Thomas landed with the Atlanta Falcons. Defensive back AJ Thomas secured a position with the New England Patriots, wide receiver Dion Kane landed with the Buffalo Bills and defensive end Jonathan Garvin joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad.
Defenders and Panthers Make Their Mark
The DC Defenders saw four of their players sign with NFL practice squads. Offensive guard Liam Fornadel joined the New England Patriots, wide receivers Kelvin Harmon and Brandon Smith landed with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets while defensive end Malik Fisher signed with the Houston Texans.
The Michigan Panthers also had success, with running back Nate McCrary joining the Green Bay Packers, cornerback Nate Brooks landing with the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive tackle Walter Palmore with the Carolina Panthers and quarterback EJ Perry signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brahmas Representation
The San Antonio Brahmas saw offensive lineman Kohl Levao sign with the New York Jets’ practice squad, while offensive tackle Julién Davenport joined the Atlanta Falcons and long snapper Rex Sunahara landed with the Cleveland Browns. Running back Anthony McFarland found a spot with the Miami Dolphins.
UFL Teams With No Signings
Notably, the St. Louis Battlehawks, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats did not have any players sign to NFL practice squads. The Arlington Renegades defensive end Jalen Redmond landed on the 53-man roster of the Vikings.
The signings demonstrate the UFL’s role as a developmental league for NFL talent. As these players join NFL practice squads, they gain valuable opportunities to continue their professional football careers and potentially earn spots on active rosters in the future.
UFL Players Signed to NFL Practice Squads
- Birmingham Stallions
- Dondrea Tillman (OLB) – Denver Broncos
- Kevin Austin Jr. (WR) – New Orleans Saints
- Adrian Martinez (QB) – New York Jets
- Jordan Thomas (TE) – Atlanta Falcons
- AJ Thomas (DB) – New England Patriots
- Jonathan Garvin (DE) – San Francisco 49ers
- Deon Cain (WR) – Buffalo Bills
- DC Defenders
- Liam Fornadel (OG) – New England Patriots
- Malik Fisher (DE) – Houston Texans
- Kelvin Harmon (WR) – Dallas Cowboys
- Brandon Smith (WR) – New York Jets
- Michigan Panthers
- Nate Brooks (CB) – Cincinnati Bengals
- Walter Palmore (DT) – Carolina Panthers
- Nate McCrary (RB) – Green Bay Packers
- EJ Perry (QB) – Jacksonville Jaguars
- San Antonio Brahmas
- Kohl Levao (OL) – New York Jets
- Julién Davenport (OT) – Atlanta Falcons
- Rex Sunahara (LS) – Cleveland Browns
- Anthony McFarland (RB) – Miami Dolphins
