Folks, it’s that time of the year again. The NFL’s preseason is upon us, which means we get to watch all of the UFL to NFL action unfold.
With over 40 UFL players signed to NFL rosters as of this weekend; plus the legacy UFL athletes who have remained with their respective teams, there’s a lot to break down.
For those wanting to stay on top of all of the UFL to NFL action during the preseason: you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
Philadelphia Eagles
DT Jacob Sykes, Brahmas
Jacob Sykes, who spent the last two seasons in the UFL with the San Antonio Brahmas, earned an NFL contract with the Eagles. He ended up seeing the field quite a bit on Thursday – totaling two tackles on the night. Sykes had a strong RDEF rep which resulted in tackle as well:
Cleveland Browns
RB Toa Taua, Panthers
TE Sal Cannella, Renegades
CB Keenan Isaac, Roughnecks
It was a strong showing for Toa Taua – who made his NFL career debut with the Browns on Friday night. Toa saw action in the second half on special teams, and in the backfield. He rushed for 30 yards on just five carries, with a long of 12 yards. Taua also added 16 yards receiving to his total tally. Toa led the UFL this past season in rushing touchdowns, with six.
Sal Cannella, the All-UFL standout with Arlington, has made his way to the NFL after every spring season he’s had. With the Browns, Sal saw the field quite a bit – and was a target for Shedeur Sanders. Cannella finished the night with 32 yards on three receptions; and also set a key block on a touchdown scamper for Gage Larvadain.
CB Keenan Isaac didn’t see too much action for the Browns (8 snaps), but he did notch a tackle.
Detroit Lions
RB Jacob Saylors, Battlehawks
TE Steven Stilianos, Brahmas
DB Nick Whiteside, Battlehawks
DB D.J. Miller, Panthers
Jacob Saylors, the All-UFL running back for St. Louis in back to back UFL seasons, impressed with Detroit in their win over Atlanta. Saylors had nine rushes for 35 yards, alongside two receptions for 14 yards. He’s had limited snaps – but is making the most of all of them. Saylors had a strong 70.4 Offensive Grade, per PFF.
Speaking of Battlehawks who landed in Detroit: DB Nick Whiteside had a couple strong moments as well. Nick totaled two tackles, and had a PBU on the night. He boasted an outstanding 84.6 Defensive Grade via PFF.
Steven Stilianos and D.J. Miller were both fresh signings to the Lions; and due to the game being postponed as the fourth quarter began, did not take to the field.
Atlanta Falcons
RB Jashaun Corbin, Brahmas
S Henry Black, Brahmas
Disappointingly, snaps were limited for Jashaun Corbin, due to the game being canceled. Corbin saw the field primarily in the third quarter; with one botched handoff to his name in the loss. Additionally, former Brahmas safety Henry Black had a productive night – posting four tackles; including a couple of Jacob Saylors.
Washington Commanders
WR Braylon Sanders, Defenders
Braylon Sanders, who went from one pro DMV football team to another, looked sharp for Washington on Friday night. He had two catches for 19 yards on two targets, making the most of his snaps with the Commanders.
New England Patriots
C Alec Lindstrom, Showboats
LB R.J. Moten, Panthers
New England features a few UFL players – including Defenders OT Yasir Durant who was placed on IR. Alec Lindstrom, the standout Showboats center, was on the field for 13 snaps in New England’s win over Washington. He boasted an above average 65.8 Pass Blocking Grade, via PFF; and was on the field for a score.
R.J. Moten, the former Florida product who played one game with Michigan, saw the field on 13 defensive snaps as well. He had a missed tackle and a poor 39.8 Defensive Grade – not a great sign for his future with the Patriots.
Buffalo Bills
WR Deon Cain, Stallions
For a second straight year, Deon Cain has signed with the Bills following a strong UFL campaign. Deon, who earned All-UFL honors in 2025, has impressed so far in his second stint with Buffalo. This past preseason game, Deon totaled one reception for 17 yards (3 targets).
Houston Texans
CB Damon Arnette, Roughnecks
Damon Arnette, the former first rounder with the Oakland Raiders, was given an opportunity with the Houston Roughnecks – and he took full advantage of it. Arnette, in his first action with the Texans back in the NFL, received plenty of action. He played 30 snaps, totaling three tackles on defense, and special teams tackle – showcasing his willingness to do whatever it takes to make a play.
Dallas Cowboys
DT Perrion Winfrey, Stallions
Perrion Winfrey, another All-UFL nominee, made the most of his minutes with the Cowboys. He only played in the first quarter – a good sign of things to come for the former Birmingham Stallion. Perrion totaled a tackle and a QB pressure against the Rams.
New York Jets
OL Liam Fornadel, Defenders
OL Samuel Jackson, Roughnecks
DB Mario Goodrich, Stallions
K Harrison Mevis, Stallions
Harrison Mevis – who joined the New York Jets following an outstanding UFL season in Birmingham – saw the majority of field goal attempts for the Jets this past weekend. He made all three kicks, from 22, 27, and 39 yards out. Mevis also connected on two XP’s. Harrison is in a kicking competition currently with Nick Folk.
OL Samuel Jackson was a pleasant surprise for New York, with a 92.9 Run Blocking Grade. Liam Fornadel, who’s bread and butter has been pass pro in the XFL/UFL, had a strong 79.1 Pass Blocking Grade as well (grades via PFF).
Finally, CB Mario Goodrich had two tackles in his Jets debut. Mario was originally signed by the Broncos, but was waived and then picked up off of waivers by New York.
Arizona Cardinals
DT Kyon Barrs, Renegades
DB Steven Gilmore, Stallions
Kyon Barrs was the star of the night for the UFL signings in Arizona. He had an outstanding 80.2 RDEF Grade via PFF, totaling two tackles and a defensive stop on the night. As a young prospect fresh off of a full UFL season with the Renegades – he’s got legitimate potential to stick around.
Steven Gilmore, who led the Stallions with 8 PBU’s in 2025, also saw a bit of playing time. He had one tackle on five defensive snaps played.
Denver Broncos
EDGE Garrett Nelson, Brahmas
Garrett Nelson has spent the last two UFL seasons with the Brahmas, quietly as one of the stronger pass rushers in the league. He made his name known with the Broncos this past Saturday; with four total tackles (3rd on the team), two defensive stops, and a pressure that led to an interception.
San Francisco 49ers
DE Bradlee Anae, Stallions
EDGE Jaylon Allen, Showboats
Bradlee Anae was the standout for the 49ers this past weekend. He had a couple of tackles and three quarterback pressures – one of which resulted in a sack for San Francisco.
Former Showboats EDGE Jaylon Allen also took quite a few snaps (34), with two assisted tackles and a couple of QB pressures.
New Orleans Saints
OL Barry Wesley, Stallions
DB Jayden Price, Renegades
Jayden Price, who led the UFL in PBU’s in 2025, saw the field for 21 snaps – totaling two tackles in the Saints loss to the Chargers.
Barry Wesley, who played a plethora of roles at O-Line for Birmingham this past UFL season, landed in New Orleans and looked strong in his opening action. Wesley played 44 snaps, with a strong 69.6 Run Blocking grade to his name via PFF.
Other Notable UFL Performances
Brahmas WR Jacob Harris, Buccaneers: Harris had a busy day with Tampa Bay, playing 40 snaps. He recorded two catches for 8 yards – but also had a fumble as well.
Renegades OT Ricky Lee, Jaguars: Ricky Lee, a standout with the Renegades, didn’t have the prettiest outing for the Jaguars according to PFF: 42.5 Offensive Grade, 30.5 Pass Blocking Grade.
Battlehawks DT Kyler Baugh, Steelers: Baugh took just nine snaps for Pittsburgh this weekend, but notched a tackle while performing well across the board.
Showboats DT Josiah Bronson, Titans: Bronson took the field for 12 snaps, but didn’t record any statistics with the Titans.
Roughnecks TE Geor’Quarius Spivey, Chiefs: Geor’Quarius also was on the field for 12 snaps with the Chiefs, but had no targets and blocked on just three of those snaps.
Panthers OL Ryan Nelson, Chargers: Nelson once again saw quite a bit of action for the Chargers, at right tackle. He played 49 snaps, allowing 3 pressures on the night.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredibly encouraging to see the amount of UFL players making an impact for their respective NFL teams this weekend. The NFL is full of quality talent that has come from the spring scene, and the 2025 UFL season provided the league with more of exactly that.
So far, over 45 UFL players have signed NFL contracts. You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on these UFL to NFL storylines from week one of the preseason? Who needs to see more snaps next week? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
