It’s never a quiet day in the UFL, especially when it comes to free agent movement in the league. On Wednesday, the Michigan Panthers signed OL Chidi Okeke, while the San Antonio Brahmas added WR Jaelen Gill.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions for Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 pic.twitter.com/YAoFUgJfdo
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) March 13, 2025
OL Chidi Okeke | Michigan Panthers
The Panthers have brought in a familiar face in the spring scene. OL Chidi Okeke has signed with the team, bringing depth and experience to the squad as they fill out the offensive line group in Michigan.
Gameday 🔥let’s go @USFLMaulers @USFLcomms week 1 pic.twitter.com/VTn2jVEHFD
— Valentine Okeke (@OkekeChidi96) April 17, 2022
Okeke played in the USFL in 2022, starting in all 10 games for the Pittsburgh Maulers. It wasn’t the prettiest performance from Chidi, which led to his release in the offseason. Okeke landed in the XFL, with the San Antonio Brahmas, playing in eight matchups – starting six.
From there, Chidi was acquired by the DC Defenders as the leagues merged. He was let go during Training Camp, and has since remained a free agent. Now, he looks to get his pro career back on track in the UFL, with the Michigan Panthers. It’s an O-Line room that is loaded with talent, so cracking the rotation will be difficult.
WR Jaelen Gill | San Antonio Brahmas
On the XFL side, the San Antonio Brahmas have brought in WR Jaelen Gill, likely as a replacement for Juwan Green, who was released. Gill is an exciting pickup for San Antonio. They continue to bring in wideouts with loads of potential, largely due to the work of GM Marc Lillibridge.
Jaelen began his college career at Ohio State, but only recorded six receptions for 51 yards and a score across two seasons. He transferred to Boston College in 2020, spending three years there. Across that span, he had over 1,000 receiving yards and a couple of scores.
Jaelen Gill with a grown man touchdown! Fresno State is cruising against Arizona State@jaelengill21
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) September 17, 2023
In his final year of eligibility, Gill once again moved colleges – landing at Fresno State. As a senior, he notched 516 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
This led to an NFL opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers, who signed him as an UDFA. Gill had a stint with the Browns shortly thereafter, but was not signed to a futures deal. Now, he makes his way to San Antonio. With how loaded that wideout room is looking, he will need to make a fast impression on the coaching staff in order to hold a roster spot.
Final Thoughts
In other UFL related news, there have been a couple of releases this week. The Houston Roughnecks cut DE Carson Taylor, the former Philadelphia Star who made his way to Houston in the offseason. Taylor was productive in Philadelphia, and had a stint up north in the CFL prior to joining Houston.
Additionally, the Birmingham Stallions let OT Ilm Manning go, after bringing in Grant Miller earlier this week.
What are your thoughts on Chidi Okeke signing with Michigan? Will Jaelen Gill make an impact in San Antonio? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
