by Per the UFL Press release team.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 5, 2026) – Columbus Aviators defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins has signed a contract with the New York Jets of the National Football League, the team announced today.
Jenkins (6-2, 287, Tulane) becomes the eighth Aviator to sign an NFL contract since the conclusion of the UFL’s 2026 season, joining Tony Fields II (Chicago Bears), Chris Glaser (Dallas Cowboys), Tay Martin (Detroit Lions), D.J. Miller (Buffalo Bills), Roc Taylor (Carolina Panthers), Antwane Wells (Atlanta Falcons) and Jacoby Windmon (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Jenkins played in all 10 games for Columbus in 2026, recording 22 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and later spent time on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Jenkins was selected by the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft before being traded to Columbus in early February, ahead of training camp.
A five-year contributor at Tulane, Jenkins earned First Team All-AAC honors and appeared in 59 career games with 53 starts, totaling 183 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, six passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
The Columbus Aviators retain Jenkin’s rights should he return to the UFL in the future.
