The Michigan Panthers have sent another standout athlete to the NFL. Defensive End Breeland Speaks has signed with the San Francisco 49ers, per Aaron Wilson.
Per @AaronWilson_NFL, my Panthers DPOY, @Bspeaks9 is signing with the Niners!
Congrats, Breeland!#USFL #LetsHunt #USFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/FIRDhtifBo
— Panthers Shadow (@USFLShadow) August 11, 2023
It was only a matter of time before Breeland Speaks was signed. He absolutely tore up the USFL this year, dominating from start to finish.
The former second round NFL draft pick had a lot to prove. He played with the Kansas City Chiefs for a couple of years, but ultimately had a falling out from the NFL.
He took full advantage of the USFL opportunity. Speaks was stellar, posting:
53 tackles
6 TFL
9 sacks (1st)
2 FF
Breeland Speaks is having a monster outing for the @USFLPanthers today.
The former NFL standout is making an impact in the #USFL. It's safe to say you'll hear @Bspeaks9 name called quite a bit this season. pic.twitter.com/Wioa8aYCEb
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 16, 2023
Breeland Speaks was all over the place, making plays week in and week out. Head Coach Mike Nolan had high praise for Speaks daily, saying that he “wants it more”. Most of the plays he made came purely from “sheer effort and determination”, said Nolan.
Breeland Speaks, Sacks Leader, doing what he does best 😎 @Bspeaks9 pic.twitter.com/BkNcQX858M
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 4, 2023
Speaks had workouts with the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Denver Broncos. Now, he’s officially signed with the San Francisco 49ers, ready to make a training camp push fresh off of a remarkable USFL season.
The Michigan Panthers have sent six players to the NFL, including:
RB Stevie Scott (Arizona)
WR Kaden Davis (Arizona)
WR Trey Quinn (Detroit)
DE Levi Bell (Seattle)
DB Josh Butler (Dallas)
Had it not been for the platform – and the national exposure – that the USFL provided him with, who knows if this opportunity would have come along.
You can stay up to date on all these USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Breeland Speaks signing with the San Francisco 49ers? Which USFL player will be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
