DC Defenders OL Liam Fornadel (77) - Daniel Dunn/USA TODAY Sports
NFL training camps are starting to wrap up, but UFL players are still getting signed to teams.
Nearly 40 players have been signed to NFL teams from the UFL.
With the eight teams in the UFL adding players to NFL rosters for the opportunity of a lifetime, let’s take a look at some key signings worth noting.
1) Adrian Martinez- QB/ (NY Jets)
The Jets have been searching for a third-string quarterback since Aaron Rodgers joined the team. Hopefully, they have found one in Birmingham Stallions signal caller Adrian Martinez.
A spring football legend was the G.O.A.T in the UFL, leading the Stallions to a UFL Championship.
Additionally, the 24-year-old earned the game MVP trophy from another G.O.A.T. in the retired hall of fame QB turned Fox broadcaster, Tom Brady.
Get your hopes up for Martinez Jets fans, because Rodgers will be lucky to play four games if that, this year.
Unfortunately, you’re not putting Mr. Rodgers out there for the new kickoff model, given that he’s not Justin Fields.
Also, fifth-round draft pick Jordan Travis will miss beyond training camp. The rookie is still recovering from a brutal leg injury last November with Florida State.
And who knows, Martinez could finally be the quarterback the Jets have been looking for long before the hybrid kickoff rule.
2) Levi Bell- DE/ (Indianapolis Colts)
Bell is a very determined man with aspirations of being a change agent. He was among the Michigan Panthers who signed with an NFL team.
While fellow changemakers, Syracuse alumni Zaire Franklin and Darius Butler are involved, Bell must put his personal beliefs aside and listen if he wants to last on the Colts.
The Seattle Seahawks released the former Bobcat. At Texas State, Bell made the second team All-Sun Belt in 2022 and was named to PFF’s All-American Third Team and All-Sun Belt First Team.
Right now, Bell does not look back on what could have been. Instead, he looks forward to what could be with the Colts.
3) Deontay Burnett- WR/ (Dallas Cowboys)
What an exciting opportunity for WR Deontay Burnett.
Since being drafted by the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks in 2022, Burnett has had a solid career in Spring football.
In 2024, he raked in 33 catches, 306 yards, and two touchdowns in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades.
It’s a great chance to showcase his talents with star WR CeeDee Lamb holding out for a contract. Plus, it gives Burnett more body of work.
Arlington is a suburb of Dallas where the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium is located. Therefore, Burnett doesn’t have to travel far to find an NFL home.
4) Kelvin Harmon– WR/ (Dallas Cowboys)
The Cowboys decided to bring in another Spring football receiver for another vertical threat downfield.
Harmon is a versatile athlete who can catch deep balls on go routes and get in on the return game if needed.
If he makes the squad on special teams, he could excel next to fellow Spring football standout KeVontae Turpin in the new NFL hybrid kickoff format.
The 6’2″, 215 lb. receiver was in the 2023 USFL with the Philadelphia Stars and landed in the UFL merger in 2024 with the D.C. Defenders.
Additionally, Harmon scored three touchdowns with the Defenders, which tied him for eighth-best in the UFL.
5) Zach Johnson- OG/ (Cleveland Browns)
Since his career started with the Green Bay Packers in 2020, Johnson has bounced around in the NFL.
Looking for a chance to play and earn his way back, Johnson signed with the Birmingham Stallions, where he and the team won the 2024 UFL championship.
The dominant athlete was also named to the All-UFL team.
Now, Johnson takes a circuitous route back to the NFL by signing with the Cleveland Browns.
He has the physical tools at 6’6″, 315 lbs., but can he take the same level of punishment in the NFL as in the UFL?
Only time will tell with this special signing.
6) Hakeem Butler– WR/ (Cincinnati Bengals)
It’s hard to believe this guy has yet to make it in the NFL as a receiver. At 6’5″, 227 lbs., Butler is a physical specimen who is currently a Mike Evans wannabe.
Last season, Butler led with 652 receiving yards, 45 receptions, and five touchdowns. He was also named to the All-USF team and won the Offensive Player of the Year award.
We keep rooting for him to make it, but he always finds his way back into the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Maybe this time’s the lucky charm that’s magically delicious.
Conclusion
At least 1 player has been signed onto an NFL team so far from the UFL.
The Michigan Panthers currently are in front with eight players signed.
Look for more UFL players to make NFL teams in the coming weeks.
