by The UFL keeps proving it’s more than just a spring football filler. It’s a legitimate pipeline back to the league. Since the 2026 UFL season wrapped up in June, dozens of players have earned NFL workouts, and more than 20 have already signed contracts. Some of these guys have NFL experience already while others are chasing their first real shot. Here are the most likely to actually stick on a roster this fall.
10. Hunter Dekkers, QB Houston Gamblers to New Orleans Saints
Dekkers’ road back to the NFL is one of the more unusual stories in this class. He started all 12 games for Iowa State in 2022, throwing for over 3,000 yards, before getting swept up in the state’s 2023 sports-betting investigation. A single $15 bet on a 2021 Cyclones game he didn’t even play in was enough to trigger the NCAA’s harshest penalty: a permanent loss of eligibility, handed down in February 2024. It effectively ended his college career overnight. The UFL gave Dekkers a second chance to prove his talent, and he succeeded, throwing for 749 yards and 3 TDs in 5 games. His performance earned him a one-year contract, where he will now compete with Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson for a roster spot and an opportunity to climb the Saints depth chart.
9. Erik Ezukanma, WR DC Defenders to Philadelphia Eagles
After injuries limited his opportunities early in his NFL career, Erik Ezukanma used the UFL as a chance to remind teams of his potential. The former Texas Tech receiver had 15 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown in 2026 with the Defenders. His strong spring season helped him earn a roster invite to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he’ll look to provide depth at wide receiver and compete for a place on the 53-man roster. If Ezukanma can stay healthy and build on his UFL success, he has the talent to become a valuable contributor at the next level.
8. Ian Wheeler, RB Louisville Kings to Buffalo Bills
Ian Wheeler earned an NFL opportunity after emerging as one of the UFL’s most explosive offensive playmakers. The Louisville Kings running back rushed for 370 yards and six TDs in just 9 games in the UFL. His speed, versatility, and ability to make defenders miss caught the attention of the Buffalo Bills, who signed him following the UFL season. The talent is there for Wheeler but with a stacked RB room in Buffalo, he’s going to need to show his best in order to make the roster for this upcoming season.
7. Shaun Wade, DB Dallas Renegades to Philadelphia Eagles
Shaun Wade earned another NFL opportunity after putting together a strong season in the UFL, reminding teams why he was once one of college football’s top defensive backs. The former Ohio State standout recorded 24 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups while consistently locking down opposing receivers. His production earned him a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he’ll compete for a roster spot in the secondary. With Cooper DeJean expected to spend more time at safety this season, there could be additional opportunities for Wade to earn snaps at cornerback if he impresses throughout training camp.
6. Tay Martin, WR Columbus Aviators to Detroit Lions
Tay Martin earned another NFL opportunity after establishing himself as one of the UFL’s most reliable wide receivers. The former Oklahoma State standout hauled in 42 receptions for 482 yards and 2 touchdowns, using his strong hands, route running, and ability to make contested catches to become a dependable target throughout the season. In a week receiving room Martin has the potential to make a big jump up the depth chart. If Martin can continue the consistency he displayed in the UFL, he has a legitimate chance to carve out a role and stick on an NFL roster.
5. Lucky Jackson, WR Louisville Kings to Detroit Lions
Lucky Jackson earned another NFL opportunity after establishing himself as one of the UFL’s top receivers. The former Kings standout was a consistent playmaker, using his reliable hands, route running, and ability to create separation to put up 32 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns to become one of the league’s most dependable targets. After losing Kalif Raymond in the offseason, the Lions hope that Jackson will be able to get up to speed quick to fill the hole at receiver. With Dan Campbell’s high flying offense there is no doubt that Lucky Jackson can make a significant impact on the offense.
4. Tony Fields II, LB Columbus Aviators to Chicago Bears
Tony Fields II made the most of his time in the UFL by proving he could still be an impact defender. The veteran linebacker recorded 77 tackles and 5 TFLs using his instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and physicality to become one of the league’s most productive linebackers. The Chicago Bears offered him a one-year contract to give him another opportunity to return to the league after previous NFL experience. With his versatility on defense and value on special teams, Fields has a strong chance to compete for a depth role and work his way onto an active roster.
3. Tanner Brown, K Louisville Kings to New Orleans Saints
Few kickers were as reliable as Tanner Brown during the UFL season, consistently delivering in crucial moments and proving he could be trusted whenever his number was called. He connected on 25-28 field-goal attempts while making 13-15 from 50+ including 3-3 from 60+. He also went 5-5 from 50+ in the playoffs with 2 60+ yard field goals. Showcasing both accuracy and leg strength throughout the spring. After seeing his consistency, the Saints decided to bring him into training camp, where he’ll have an opportunity to compete for a kicking job. In a league where consistency often separates kickers, Brown’s steady play in the UFL gives him a real chance to extend his football career.
2. Major Burns, DB Houston Gamblers to Miami Dolphins
Major Burns made a name for himself in the UFL by bringing energy and physicality to the secondary every week. The former LSU defensive back recorded 45 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups while proving he could make an impact in both coverage and run support. His performance opened the door for a chance with the Miami Dolphins, giving him another opportunity to showcase his skills at the professional level. A strong training camp could put Burns in the mix for a role on defense while also providing value on special teams.
1. Hakeem Butler, WR St. Louis Battlehawks to Denver Broncos
No receiver was more productive in the UFL this season than Hakeem Butler, who led the league with 641 receiving yards with 22 yards per reception and 5 touchdowns. At 6-foot-5, Butler overwhelmed defensive backs with his rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, making him one of the UFL’s most dangerous deep-ball threats. Whether it was winning jump balls downfield or blowing past defenders for explosive gains, Butler consistently found ways to stretch the field. His dominant season earned him another opportunity with the Denver Broncos, where his ability to create big plays and provide a vertical presence could make him a valuable addition to the passing attack.
