UFL Sends 23 Players to NFL Teams as League’s NFL Pipeline Continues to Expand

The United Football League continues to strengthen its reputation as a launching pad for NFL talent, announcing that 23 players have signed NFL contracts during the first week of the 2026 offseason while 47 players have either earned NFL workouts or signed with teams since the season concluded.

As NFL clubs prepare for training camp, organizations across the league continue to evaluate UFL players, reinforcing the spring league’s growing role as a developmental pipeline to the NFL.

NFL Interest Reaches New High

Since UFL players became eligible to sign NFL contracts on June 15, 23 players have officially joined NFL organizations.

That total more than doubles last year’s pace, when 10 UFL players signed NFL contracts during the opening week of the 2025 offseason.

Overall, 47 UFL players have now participated in NFL workouts or signed contracts as teams continue building their training camp rosters.

Seven UFL Teams Represented

The 23 NFL signings include players from seven of the UFL’s eight franchises.

The Houston Gamblers lead all UFL clubs with seven players earning NFL contracts, followed by:

• Columbus Aviators (5)
• Louisville Kings (4)
• Dallas Renegades (2)
• DC Defenders (2)
• St. Louis Battlehawks (2)
• Orlando Storm (1)

Lions Lead NFL Teams in UFL Signings

The Detroit Lions have been the most active NFL team, signing four former UFL players.

The Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints have each added three UFL players, while the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles have signed two apiece.

The Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have also added UFL talent during the offseason.

Wide Receivers in High Demand

Wide receiver has emerged as the most sought-after position group during the current signing period.

Of the 23 NFL contracts signed, 10 have gone to wide receivers.

Defensive backs rank second with four signings, followed by defensive ends with three and offensive linemen with two.

Defenders Receive NFL Attention

The latest round of NFL workouts featured significant representation from the DC Defenders.

Five members of the Defenders earned opportunities with NFL clubs, including:

• • Linebacker Micah Baskerville (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Running back Deon Jackson (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Linebacker Curtis Jacobs (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Wide receiver Cornell Powell (Detroit Lions)
  • Linebacker Brandon Smith (Chicago Bears)

  In addition, Louisville Kings defensive end Xavier Carlton worked out with the Atlanta Falcons as NFL teams continue evaluating talent ahead of training camp.

  UFL Continues to Prove Its Value

  The steady stream of NFL opportunities underscores the UFL’s continued success in providing players with a platform to showcase their abilities against high-level competition.

  Each offseason, dozens of players leverage strong UFL performances into NFL contracts, giving organizations experienced professional talent while offering players another opportunity to continue their football careers at the highest level.

  Although players are free to pursue NFL opportunities, each UFL franchise retains the rights to its players should they return to the league in future seasons, ensuring clubs can continue building around proven talent.

  With NFL training camps approaching, additional workouts and signings are expected in the coming weeks as teams finalize their preseason rosters and continue mining the UFL for NFL-ready players.

Source: UFL