With August fully upon us, a couple of UFL transactions have finally trickled down the wire. The Michigan Panthers re-signed S Akeem Dent; losing OG Jake Burton to the retired list. Meanwhile, the Arlington Renegades cut LB Caleb Johnson.
Michigan Panthers
For the Panthers, they’ve opted to re-sign safety Akeem Dent. Dent was one of the team’s UFL College Draft picks, who signed for the 2025 season – and ended up seeing some legitimate playing time. Due to a couple of injuries on the backend, Akeem played in eight games; totaling six tackles.
Akeem, the former Florida State product, received quite a bit of NFL interest prior to signing with Michigan. Considering that the Panthers may lose a safety or two to the NFL/retirement, Akeem is a prospect who could see more playing time in 2026.
Unfortunately, OG Jake Burton has opted to retire. He’s spent the last four seasons in the USFL/UFL, with the Philadelphia Stars and Michigan Panthers.
Burton has been one of spring football’s best across that span. With the Panthers, he didn’t allow a single sack – playing two full seasons at guard; starting in all but one game. After his strong 2024 UFL campaign, Burton signed with the Detroit Lions – spending the 2024 NFL preseason with the organization.
Jake’s retirement leaves the Panthers with a massive hole at guard; one that will likely be filled by Victor Curne.
Arlington Renegades
The Renegades have cut LB Caleb Johnson, who played in a few games with the team this past season. After his UFL campaign, Caleb made his way to the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.
Johnson had 26 tackles and a sack with Arlington in 2025. He started in a week 10 win over the Brahmas, totaling 11 tackles in that one game alone.
Most recently, Caleb had a workout with the Green Bay Packers.
With Johnson cut from the Renegades, one has to wonder if he’ll return to the UFL in 2026; or if the CFL is where he’ll remain.
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