# Updated outlook on spring football players in the NFL post-free agency

- Author: Greg Parks
- Published: 2026-05-13T13:46:00Z
- Updated: 2026-05-13T13:46:40Z
- Categories: UFL (ufl)
- Canonical URL: https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/updated-outlook-spring-football-players-nfl-post-free-agency-draft

As usual, there was significant movement among NFL players in March during free agency, some of which included former spring football players. Below is a look at how those two offseason roster shakeups have affected USFL, XFL, and UFL alumni.

*All contract details thanks to*[*OverTheCap.com*](https://overthecap.com/)*.*

-The big news was the contract signed by **K Brandon Aubrey ([Stallions](https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/several-spring-football-alums-jump-around-nfl-rosters-rookie-mini-camp))**. As expected, the Dallas Cowboys made Aubrey the highest-paid at his position in NFL history. It's a four-year, $28 million extension. He'll make $1.75 million guaranteed this year as per the terms of his old contract. Next year, his base salary increases to $4.75 million with a $5 million guarantee.

-Though **K Jake Bates (Panthers)** could be in the conversation for a long-term extension with the Detroit Lions at some point, he was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent for 2026. It's a one-year deal where he'll make just over $1 million. He's set to become a restricted free agent next off-season. Bates's teammates in Detroit, **CB Nick Whiteside (Battlehawks)** and **RB Jacob Saylors (Battlehawks)** were also tendered as ERFAs right after the season ended. They'll make slightly less than Bates but still more than $1 million each ($1.005 million to be exact). Both will be ERFAs once again next off-season if they make the team and complete the season. Cleveland Browns **K Andre Szmyt (Battlehawks)** is in the same contractual boat as Whiteside and Saylors, as is Los Angeles Rams **K Harrison Mevis (Stallions)**,

-**DE Jalen Redmond ([Renegades](https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/ufl-news-hubs-week-eight-quarterback-rankings))**, who had a breakout 2025 campaign for the Minnesota Vikings, may also be up for a long-term extension at some point. However, he'll play 2026 on an ERFA tender of $1.075 million, the same as Bates. Also like Bates, he'll be a restricted free-agent next year. The same 2026 earnings and 2027 off-season await **LB Dondrea Tillman (Stallions)** of the Denver Broncos, **LS Rex Sunahara (Brahmas)** of the Browns, and **CB Josh Butler (Panthers)** of the Dallas Cowboys.

-Two unrestricted free agents found new homes this spring: **QB Josh Johnson (Wildcats)** went from the Washington Commanders to the Cincinnati Bengals, while **S Elijah Campbell ([Defenders](https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/five-takeaways-louisville-kings-victory-dc-defenders))** left the Miami Dolphins for the New York Giants. Both are one-year deals. Johnson's is good for $1.3 million with a $200,000 signing bonus. Campbell gets $1.215 million in salary, plus a signing bonus ($50,000), per game roster bonus ($112,000) and workout bonus ($25,000).

-Three spring football players were signed who were not part of NFL teams last year. **LS Tucker Addington (Gamblers)** and **P Seth Vernon (Panthers)** were added by the Dolphins, and **LS Niko Lalos (Sea Dragons)** by the New England Patriots. Vernon was recently released by Miami.

-In total, 20 UFL, XFL or USFL alum who ended the season on NFL practice squads were signed to futures contracts. Those not retained for 2026 were **WR [Kaden Davis](https://uflnewshub.com/player/kaden-davis-34359) (Panthers)**, **DT C.J. Brewer (Roughnecks)** and **QB Ben DiNucci (Sea Dragons)**. Davis has since signed with the Houston Gamblers.

-One spring football player, an unrestricted free agent who did not sign amid the frenzy in March, was **LS Scott Daly (NY Guardians)**. He had to try out at rookie minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It worked: Daly signed with Tampa after last weekend's camp and will compete with incumbent Evan Deckers for the snapping job with the Bucs.

From UFL News Hub. Please link to https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/updated-outlook-spring-football-players-nfl-post-free-agency-draft when citing. More at https://uflnewshub.com/llms.txt