13 UFL Players Sign NFL Contracts Following 2026 Season as League Continues NFL Pipeline
The United Football League continues to establish itself as one of professional football’s premier developmental leagues, announcing that 13 players have officially signed NFL contracts during the opening week of the 2026 offseason signing period.
Headlining the group are two-time UFL Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler, UFL Special Teams Player of the Year Tanner Brown, and fellow All-UFL selections Major Burns, Tony Fields II, and Sean Fresch. Players became eligible to sign NFL contracts on June 15 following the conclusion of the 2026 UFL season.
Seven NFL Teams Add UFL Talent
The 13 players signed with seven different NFL organizations, further demonstrating the UFL’s growing reputation as a proven pathway to the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions each signed three UFL players, while the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles added two players apiece. The Miami Dolphins signed one player.
From the UFL perspective, the Houston Gamblers led the league with four players earning NFL contracts, followed by the Louisville Kings with three. The Columbus Aviators and St. Louis Battlehawks each had two players sign, while the Dallas Renegades and DC Defenders each placed one player on an NFL roster.
Award Winners Earn NFL Opportunities
Among the most notable signings was St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler, who joined the Denver Broncos after another dominant season.
Butler became the first player in UFL history to win Offensive Player of the Year twice, leading the league with 641 receiving yards while becoming the all-time leader in career receiving yards with 2,192.
Louisville Kings kicker Tanner Brown also earned an NFL opportunity with the New Orleans Saints after one of the greatest special teams seasons in UFL history.
Brown was named the league’s 2026 Special Teams Player of the Year after converting 25 of 28 field-goal attempts during the regular season, setting a UFL single-season record while leading the league with 99 points. He also made history during the playoffs by becoming the first professional kicker to convert two field goals of 60 yards or longer in the same game.
All-UFL Performers Cash In
Several additional All-UFL standouts also earned NFL contracts.
Houston Gamblers safety Major Burns signed with the Miami Dolphins after leading the UFL with four interceptions while earning All-UFL honors.
Columbus Aviators linebacker Tony Fields II joined the Chicago Bears after finishing second in the UFL with 78 tackles and recording at least five tackles in every game.
St. Louis Battlehawks return specialist Sean Fresch signed with the Denver Broncos following an All-UFL campaign that saw him lead the league with 333 punt return yards while also contributing as a defensive back.
NFL Interest Continues to Grow
Beyond the official signings, NFL organizations continue to evaluate UFL talent across the league.
According to the UFL, NFL clubs have requested 58 workout permissions involving 40 players since the season ended, with 47 workouts already completed as teams prepare for training camp.
Source: UFL
