The 2025 offseason is proving to be a fertile ground for NFL teams looking to tap into the burgeoning talent pool of the United Football League (UFL), with multiple franchises making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. From tight ends to kickers and offensive linemen, the UFL continues to establish itself as a valuable pipeline for NFL-ready players, offering teams cost-effective options with proven professional experience.
On June 19, the Cleveland Browns made a notable addition to their tight end corps by signing Sal Cannella, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound pass catcher who spent the spring showcasing his skills with the Arlington Renegades. Cannella's 2025 UFL season was impressive: he earned All-UFL Team honors after hauling in 44 receptions, ranking second in the league, accumulating 474 receiving yards (sixth best), and scoring one touchdown. Over three seasons with the Renegades, Cannella amassed 139 receptions for 1,386 yards and seven touchdowns, underscoring his consistent production.
Despite a college career that began at Scottsdale Community College and continued at Auburn, Cannella went undrafted and has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game. However, his persistence has seen him spend time on the practice squads of the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now in Cleveland, Cannella faces competition for the third tight end spot behind veteran David Njoku and rookie Harold Fannin Jr., with Brenden Bates and Blake Whiteheart as his primary rivals. Bates has no career NFL stats, while Whiteheart has six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. The Browns released tight end Tre’ McKitty to make room for Cannella, a player with demonstrated determination and potential to finally secure a lasting NFL role.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets continue to mine the UFL talent pool. The Jets recently signed Harrison Mevis, a 240-pound kicker who earned the nickname "Thiccer Kicker" during a stellar 2025 campaign with the Birmingham Stallions. Mevis connected on 21 of 23 field goals over 11 games, including the postseason, with six field goals beyond 50 yards and a long of 56 yards in the playoffs. His performance aligns with a growing trend of UFL specialists making successful transitions to the NFL, following in the footsteps of former Birmingham Stallion Brandon Aubrey and Michigan Panthers’ Jake Bates.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have seen firsthand the value of UFL talent, with Bates flourishing in Detroit and linebacker Dondrea Tillman emerging as a key contributor for the Denver Broncos after signing from the UFL in 2024. The Jets appear poised to continue this trend, eyeing several UFL standouts to deepen their roster.
Among the prospects the Jets are considering is Jordan Ta'amu, the 27-year-old quarterback for the DC Defenders who led the UFL in passing yards (2,153) and touchdowns (17) in 2025. Ta'amu's standout performance in the UFL Championship — throwing for 390 yards and four touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown and a receiving score on a two-point conversion — earned him MVP honors in a dominant 58-point victory over the Michigan Panthers. His 13.9 yards per completion and ability to run a balanced offense with play-action and RPO schemes make him a versatile talent. Despite the Jets' current quarterback depth with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and rookie Brady Cook, Ta'amu remains a potential insurance policy should injuries arise.
Another target is Ryan Nelson, a left tackle from the Michigan Panthers who earned All-UFL honors in 2025. Nelson, who started 49 consecutive games at tackle and guard for the Virginia Cavaliers, played a crucial role in protecting MVP quarterback Bryce Perkins during the UFL Championship. His versatility and consistent performance address a potential weak spot for the Jets, whose offensive line depth, especially behind Olu Fashanu, could be tested by injury. Nelson's ability to provide reliable depth at left tackle could be vital for the Jets' offensive stability.
Wide receiver and kick returner Chris Rowland from the DC Defenders is also on the Jets' radar. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Rowland has been named an All-UFL player for two consecutive seasons and was nominated as league sportsman of the year in 2025. Known for his high character and versatility, Rowland's skill set fits the Jets' need for dynamic slot receivers and return specialists. His evolution as a player suggests he could be a valuable locker room presence and a playmaker on the field.
Across the capital, the Washington Commanders are exploring similar opportunities to strengthen their roster by leveraging local UFL talent. Yasir Durant, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive lineman for the DC Defenders, has emerged as one of the league's premier blockers. Durant started every game at left tackle for the championship-winning Defenders and earned All-UFL Team honors in 2025. His blend of size, length, and movement skills makes him a promising prospect to provide depth for the Commanders' offensive line, backing up established tackles Laremy Tunsil and rookie Josh Conerly Jr.
Durant's football journey includes two seasons at left tackle for the Missouri Tigers and stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, where he provided spot starts at right guard and right tackle. He began his UFL career at guard before moving back to tackle midway through the 2023 season and has remained on the blindside since, except for one start on the strong side. At 27, Durant is eager to catch on with an NFL team before training camp begins in late July 2025, and the Commanders could be a natural fit given their proximity and need for depth.
The UFL's emergence as a legitimate springboard to the NFL is underscored by the fact that nearly 20% of its 2024 players — approximately 80 out of 400 — signed NFL contracts last year, with many becoming key contributors or earning roster spots. This trend is reshaping NFL offseason strategies, as teams increasingly look to the UFL for players who combine professional experience with affordability.
For the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders, the UFL is not just a secondary league but a vital resource to enhance their rosters with battle-tested talent. Whether it’s Sal Cannella’s determined pursuit of an NFL career, Harrison Mevis’s kicking prowess, Jordan Ta'amu’s quarterbacking skills, or Yasir Durant’s imposing presence on the offensive line, these players represent the next wave of NFL hopefuls ready to make their mark.
As the 2025 NFL training camps approach, all eyes will be on these UFL alumni to see if they can translate their spring league success into regular-season impact. For teams looking to gain an edge, tapping into the UFL well might just be the secret weapon this summer.
