With close to 60 UFL players currently signed to NFL teams, who are the players making an immediate impact and which players have already been waived?
Adrian Martinez -New York Jets Quarterback
After his impressive debut with the New York Jets last week, Adrian Martinez was given the nod to start the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers. Martinez took over from Andrew Peasely with the score tied at 3-3. After an early interception which resulted in a Eddy Pineiro field goal to tie the game, Martinez went on to lead three consecutive scoring drives for the Jets in a 15-12 victory over Panthers.
Demonstrating his nimble ability to scramble and avoid pressure, Martinez delivered a beautiful 24-yard pass to wide receiver Lance McCutcheon. He finished the night completing seven of seventeen pass attempts for 67 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. While it wasn’t as pretty as his performance last week, it was good enough for Coach Robert Salah to comment afterwards, “Martinez showed he can throw off schedule and throw with accuracy.”
Luis Perez-Quarterback Los Angeles Chargers
As Justin Herbert continues his recovery from ongoing foot issues, the Los Angeles Chargers signed talented Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez. Despite signing with the Chargers just days ago, Perez proved to be the most productive of the three quarterbacks. Starter Easton Stick, currently the number two behind Herbert, bobbled a snap that was recovered by the Rams and then threw his second interception of the preseason.
Perez took over from Stick in the second quarter, heaving a solid 19 yard pass to Quentin Johnston. Pressure from the Rams resulted in several incompletions but no turnovers and Perez finished the night 13 of 20 for 78 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The Rams won the game over the Chargers by a score of 13-9.
Ben DiNucci -Quarterback Buffalo Bills
Earlier this week, the Buffalo Bills signed former Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback, Ben DiNucci as a replacment for injured third string quarterback, Shane Buechele, who is sidelined with a neck injury. Taking over from starter Mitch Trubiskey, DiNucci ended the night with 3 completions on five attempts for 20 yards. Although he only had limited training time with the team before taking the field, DiNucci demonstrated his strong leadership as he led the team to a 9-3 victory. Given his extensive experience in spring football and DiNucci’s ardent fan base, it will be interesting to watch him once he has more time with the team.
Breeland Speaks -Defensive End -Jacksonville Jaguars
It was only a matter of time before the UFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, Breeland Speaks made his presence felt in the NFL. Speaks nailed Tampa Bay quarterback John Wolford with a punishing sack that cost the team six yards on Saturday after a first down play. Given Speaks’ intensity and drive, expect to see more of the same this season.
Jake Bates-Kicker Detroit Lions
Without a doubt the UFL MVP caliber performance of the weekend belonged to former Michigan Panthers sensational kicker, Jake Bates. After struggling a bit in training camp, Bates proved he could duplicate his success in the NFL, hitting all four field goals including a 55-yarder. That kick could easily have gone further and provided a glimpse of his superior leg strength. Solidifying his chances to secure the role as the Lions’ kicker, Bates demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure by nailing a game-winning 43-yard kick with two seconds remaining on the clock.
Broken Dreams
While there have already been numerous NFL signings, nothng is ever guaranteed from the NFL contracts. Several more players were waived this past week, adding to the growing list of players who saw their dream of an NFL career evaporate overnight. Earlier this week, the Washington Commanders released kicker Ramiz Ahmed. Both wide receiver Marcus Simms and running back Ricky Person, Jr. were waived by Seattle with injury designations.
