As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, the UFL has become a direct pathway to the NFL. Last week six additional UFL players signed with NFL teams bringing the total number of players signed to 47. While nothing is guaranteed, the NFL signings provide UFL athletes a chance to compete for a roster spot alongside other players. Which UFL players stood out this past weekend and who might have the best chance of making an NFL team roster?
Latest UFL to NFL signings
Two of the latest players to sign with NFL teams include Arlington Renengades star quarterback Luis Perez who just signed with the Los Angeles Chargers late last week and San Antonio Brahmas wide receiver Jontre Kirklin who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
As the number one quarterback in the UFL this past season Perez has 225 completions out of 336 attempts for 2,309 yards with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. Making his first appearance late in the game, Perez looked solid considering he only had two days of training camp practice with the Chargers. He completed five out of twelve throws for 61 yards but the Chargers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 16-3 as the offense struggled throughout the game.
One of the most impressive aspects of Perez’s performance last season with the Renegades was his ability to come out each week and shine despite the team’s 2-9 losing record and the lack of support around him. Given the right opportunity, Perez has the talent and mental fortitude to succeed in the NFL.
Other UFL To NFL Players Who Shined This Week
Adrian Martinez -New York Jets
After an outstanding season that saw 24-year-old Birmingham Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez lead his team to the UFL Championship title, Martinez was signed by the New York Jets. While NFL fans may not be familiar with Martinez, he was the UFL League MVP with over 2,000 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. He also led the UFL in rushing with more than 528 yards and another three touchdowns.
Appearing for the first time late in the game, Martinez looked impressive as he led the team to a 20-17 come-from-behind victory over the Washington Commanders. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 104 passing yards plus another 24 yards rushing in his debut appearance for the New York Jets.
Despite his strong performance, Martinez still faces an uphill battle to make the roster with Aaron Rodgers as the starter and Tyrod Taylor and Andrew Peasely ahead of him on the depth chart. But if this weekend’s performance was any indication of what lies ahead, Martinez outplayed Peasely and stands a chance to leapfrog over him to make the roster.
Brandon Smith -New York Jets
Former D.C. Defenders wide receiver Brandon Smith was another UFL player who showed up to play this weekend and stood out on the Jets squad. Smith was a factor in the Jets’ victory, catching two long receptions from Martinez, the first a beautiful 37-yard dart to Smith, who also recorded a 33-yard catch.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions
After struggling earlier in the week at practice, former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates delivered when it mattered most. Recording the only points in the Detroit Lions’ 14-3 loss to the New York Giants on Thursday night, Bates split the uprights with a perfect 53-yard field goal. As encouraging as it was to see Bates hit the long field goal, unfortunately, he struggled with accuracy in other areas. Later in the game, Bates muffed a kickoff when he failed to correctly place the ball in the “landing zone” per the new NFL kickoff rule.
Ramiz Ahmed -Washington Commanders
Another UFL player from the Birmingham Stallions also had a solid night. Stallions field goal kicker, Ramiz Ahmed who was signed early on by the Washington Commanders, was one-for-one on field goals with a solid 40-yard kick and was one-for-one on an extra point.
A.J. Thomas -New England Patriots
It was a good weekend overall for the former Birmingham Stallions players who signed with NFL teams. Former Stallions safety, A.J. Thomas recorded four tackles on Friday evening helping the New England Patriots to beat the Carolina Panthers by a score of 17-3. Up next for the Patriots is a game on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Malik Fisher -Houston Texans
Defensive end Malik Fisher, formerly of the D. C. Defenders, aided the Houston Texans in their 20-12 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday evening, contributing two tackles.
When The Bubble Bursts and A Dream Ends
But make no mistake, when a player signs with an NFL team in the preseason, it’s merely an opportunity to prove himself. Sometimes, the opportunity leads to making the 53 man roster and at other times, a player can be cut before the season even starts. St. Louis Battlehawks star running back Jacob Saylors was one of the very first players to be signed in the aftermath of the UFL inaugural season.
Saylors, the number one running back in the league and second only to Martinez in total rushing yards was immediately signed to the New York Giants. A member of the All-UFL Team, Saylor came to the attention of the New York Giants after continually out-performing his teammate and former Giants running back Wayne Gallman.
Saylors was competing to make the roster as a backup to lead back, Devin Singletary but that dream ended abruptly for Saylors this weekend. Saylors was waived by the Giants in the aftermath of the team’s victory over Detroit when they opted to move forward with their other three running backs, Eric Gray, Tyrone TraceyJr. and Dante Miller.
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