The Detroit Lions’ stunning upset loss to the Washington Commanders this past week meant the end of the playoff run for the UFL’s last remaining star alumnae, kicker Jake Bates.

Jake Bates-Detroit Lions and Former Michigan Panthers Kicker

There weren’t many bright spots following the Detroit Lions’ sudden exit from the playoff. However, former Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates gave Lions fans a flawless performance on Saturday night. Bates converted his lone field goal attempt for 28 yards and was perfect on extra points, connecting four out of four. Bates finishes his NFL rookie season with 27 of 30 field goals for 90% and 68 out of 71 extra points. Bates is considered one of the NFL’s top kickers and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl as an alternate.

Other UFL Players Making News

In other post-season news, several additional players were signed to NFL future/reserve contracts with their teams. Futures /reserve contracts officially begin on March 12th, “reserving” that individual and prohibiting the player from signing with any other team.

While there is no guarantee the player will make the 53-man roster at the start of the regular season, the contract is a sign of confidence in the individual and that the team wants to move forward.

We will continue to update this list with the newest player signings listed below in bold type.

The New York Jets: 

Adrian Martinez, former Birmingham Stallions quarterback, Kohl Levao, former Offensive Lineman with the San Antonio Brahmas. Brandon Smith, former Wide Receiver with the D.C. Defenders.

San Francisco 49ers: Jonathan Garvin, former Defensive Lineman, Birmingham Stallions. Zach Johnson, former Guard, Birmingham Stallions. QB Tanner Mordecai, Drafted by the D.C. Defenders

Cleveland Browns: Andre Szmyt, former Kicker, St. Louis Battlehawks. DE Marcus Haynes former DE with the San Antonio Brahmas, OT Julian Pearl, Drafted by the Michigan Panthers

New England Patriots: John Parker Romo, former Kicker, Minnesota Vikings, and San Antonio Brahmas.

Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Harmon, former Wide Receiver, D.C. Defenders, CB Luq Barcoo, former San Antonio Brahmas CB

Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Brooks, former Defensive Back, Michigan Panthers.  

Pittsburgh Steelers: Running Back RB Aaron Shampklin former Houston Roughnecks RB, SafetyJoshuah Bledsoe, former San Antonio Brahmas safety CB Kyler McMichael, former Arlington Renegades CB

Indianapolis Colts: QB Jason Bean, first overall draft pick for the Memphis Showboats, WR DJ Montgomery, former wide receiver Michigan Panthers, DT Pheldarius Payne, Drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks,

Houston Texans: QB Kedon Slovis, Drafted by the D.C. Defenders

Tennessee Titans: OT Isaiah Prince, Arlington Renegades OT

Philadelphia Eagles: DE Jamree Kromah, Drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas

Detroit Lions: DE Isaac Ukwu, Drafted by the Michigan Panthers* (*Note: Ukwu was on the Lions practice squad for the 2024 season and activated for two games.)

Green Bay Packers: G Donovan Jennings, Drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas

Vikings: LB Gabriel Murphy, Drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas

Atlanta Falcons: QB Emory Jones, Drafted by the D.C. Defenders, DT LaCale London, former St. Louis Battlehawks DT

Carolina Panthers: ILB Jackson Mitchell, former Memphis Showboats ILB, C Andrew Raym, former Memphis Showboats Center

New Orleans Saints: CB Tra Fluellen, Drafted by the Houston Roughnecks, Center Sincere Haynesworth, Drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT Garret Greenfield, Drafted by the D.C. Defenders

Los Angeles Rams: WR Drake Stoops, Drafted by the Arlington Renegades

Over the coming weeks, other spring football alumnae will be signed to NFL team contracts. Check back here for the latest updates.

author avatar
Sue Levine
Sue Levine spent the past five years creating and producing a successful weekly health and wellness podcast starring a wonderful iconic woman as the program host. As part of Sue's responsibilities, she scripted every episode and discovered a genuine love of writing. When the podcast ended late last year, she shifted the focus of her writing to covering pro sports. A passionate fan of NFL and UFL football as well as fantasy, she is delighted to be able to share her articles with other football fans.

Leave a comment

Sign Up Now

Become a member of our online community and get tickets to upcoming matches or sports events faster!
UFL News Hub