It’s been a chaotic week of UFL signings to the NFL. The latest of those includes DC Defenders DE Derek Parish, and Columbus Aviators DE Ron Stone Jr., who signed with the Texans and Broncos respectively.
DE Derek Parish | DC > Houston
It’s a bit of a homecoming for Derek Parish, who will return to Houston to play professional football. The former Jaguars draft pick is a Houston Cougar, and now gets the chance to flash his talents in front of Houston personnel during the final week of preseason, prior to cutdowns.
Derek Parish made his way to the UFL after spending a couple of seasons up north in the CFL, primarily with the Toronto Argonauts. In the United Football League, he thrived. Parish was a key piece up front, boasting a ridiculously impressive 89.9 Defensive Grade via PFF, including the playoffs.
Derek finished the year with 30 tackles, four sacks, 25 quarterback pressures, a forced fumble, and 14 defensive stops. As one of the top graded defensive ends in the UFL, Parish is a safe bet for Houston this late in camp. He’s already in game shape, and has plenty of experience on his resume.
DE Ron Stone Jr. | Columbus > Denver
After two years in the United Football League, Ron Stone is officially back in the NFL. The former Washington State standout has quietly been one of the league’s top edge rushers across that span, and now finds himself with an opportunity in Denver.
In 2025, Stone was a member of the Michigan Panthers. He was a rotational piece en route to their Championship run, totaling 17 tackles and a pair of sacks.
This year in Columbus, Stone was unleashed. He started in every game played, racking up 35 tackles, seven sacks, 27 quarterback pressures, and 14 defensive stops.
Ron notably had a pair of sacks in the team’s opener this year against Orlando.
In a corresponding move, the Denver Broncos have released UFL Offensive Player of the Year, WR Hakeem Butler. He saw several targets over the first two preseason games, but did not record any receptions.
These signings are just another testament to what the UFL platform stands for: giving athletes another chance to chase their dreams. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Ron Stone Jr. and Derek Parish signing NFL deals? Which UFL player should be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
