The Detroit Lions have made headlines once again with their aggressive pursuit of United Football League (UFL) talent, signing their fifth UFL player in just three weeks. On August 10, 2025, the Lions added DC Defenders running back Deon Jackson to their roster, setting up an intriguing preseason competition that has fans and analysts buzzing. Jackson, who ran for 419 yards and four touchdowns for the Defenders in the 2024 UFL season, narrowly missed out on the All-UFL team, losing that honor to none other than Jacob Saylors—now his direct competitor for a spot in Detroit.
This move underscores the Lions’ commitment to mining the UFL for hidden gems, joining recent signings of St. Louis Battlehawks running back Jacob Saylors, Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside, Michigan Panthers cornerback D.J. Miller, and San Antonio Brahmas tight end Steven Stilianos. Yet, it’s the addition of Jackson that’s generating the most excitement, not just for his on-field production but for the storyline he brings to training camp. The battle between Jackson and Saylors—two running backs who’ve already dueled for postseason accolades—now shifts to the heart of the Motor City.
Jackson’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he spent two and a half seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, carving out a niche as a special teamer. He also logged time with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New York Jets. His most productive NFL campaign came in 2022, when he rushed for 236 yards and a touchdown across 16 games for the Colts. Despite flashes of potential, Jackson never quite secured a long-term role, often finding himself on the margins of crowded backfields.
His recent UFL stint, however, showed signs of a resurgence. Jackson’s 419 rushing yards and four touchdowns for the DC Defenders placed him among the league’s most effective ball carriers. But in a twist of fate, he was edged out for All-UFL honors by Jacob Saylors, who now lines up beside him in Detroit’s running back room. It’s a storyline almost too perfect for preseason drama: two rivals, each hungry for a shot at NFL redemption, now competing for the same limited opportunity.
The reality, though, is that both Jackson and Saylors face an uphill climb. The Lions’ running back depth chart is already stacked, with Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, and Craig Reynolds occupying the four roster spots on the 53-man squad. That leaves Jackson and Saylors vying for a potential practice squad role—a position previously held by Jermar Jefferson. Still, the competition is expected to be fierce, with both players eager to prove they belong in the NFL conversation.
To get a better sense of what Jackson brings to the table, AtoZ Sports reached out to Colts beat writer Destin Adams, who covered Jackson during his time in Indianapolis. Adams offered a candid assessment: “Deon Jackson was a key special teamer with the Colts, which helped him land the last RB spot on the roster for a minute there. He lacked the ability to be a between-the-tackle option for the Colts, and due to injuries to Jonathan Taylor and others at the time, he was catapulted into the starting lineup for the week. Things didn’t go to plan, and he was ultimately released from the team shortly after. If the Lions want to use him on special teams, I think he can still play an impactful role. I doubt at this point he can offer you much out of the backfield at the NFL level, though.”
While Jackson’s NFL future remains uncertain, his UFL journey is emblematic of the league’s growing reputation as a springboard for overlooked talent. The DC Defenders, Jackson’s most recent team, just capped a historic season of their own. Under interim head coach Shannon Harris, the Defenders captured their first UFL championship in franchise history—a remarkable feat considering the abrupt departure of former head coach Reggie Barlow just before the 2025 season began. Harris, initially seen as a placeholder, galvanized the team and steered them to the ultimate prize.
The Defenders’ success was powered by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, who wrapped up his seventh year in professional football and fifth in the spring league. Ta’amu has been a steadying force for D.C. since 2023, amassing nearly 10,000 passing yards, almost 70 touchdowns, and over 1,000 rushing yards across his career. He even recorded a receiving touchdown in the 2025 season, showcasing his versatility. Backing him up, Mike DiLiello delivered several strong performances, including a gritty showing in a week 10 monsoon game against the Battlehawks. Third-stringer Spencer Sanders contributed as a wide receiver and special teams player, adding depth and creativity to the roster.
Despite their championship triumph, the Defenders face big questions moving forward—especially at quarterback. Ta’amu, now approaching 30 and with limited NFL opportunities since 2023, may be nearing the end of his UFL journey. With a reported 2025 salary between $60,000 and $80,000, the decision to continue playing or transition into a new role looms large. The Defenders also hold the rights to younger quarterbacks Emory Jones, Tanner Mordecai, and Kedon Slovis, all currently battling for NFL futures in training camps this August. General Manager Von Hutchins, who has compiled a 22-12 record since taking the reins of the rebooted franchise, will need to decide whether to stick with veteran leadership or usher in a new era with fresh talent.
The Lions’ recent UFL signings, meanwhile, reflect a broader league trend: NFL teams are increasingly willing to give spring league standouts a chance to prove themselves. For players like Jackson and Saylors, the next two weeks could define their professional futures. Will special teams prowess or preseason flashes be enough to earn a coveted roster spot? Or will this be another chapter in the winding journeys of athletes fighting for every snap?
With the preseason winding down and roster cuts looming, the spotlight is squarely on Detroit’s running back battle. Whether Jackson or Saylors emerges with a role, their storylines—intertwined by rivalry, redemption, and resilience—are a testament to the unpredictable, exhilarating nature of professional football. As the Lions finalize their roster and the Defenders plot their next move, one thing is clear: the intersection of the UFL and NFL is producing compelling drama, and fans are here for every minute of it.
