Analysis of the Notable 2026 UDFA Signings
Every year, hundreds of players who hoped to hear their names called go undrafted. This is not the end of their journey, however. Many of these players will be signed by NFL teams and given a chance to make their rosters; many of them will do just that. There are actually more UDFAs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame than first-round picks. The fact that there are multiple UDFAs for every first-round pick helps their chances, but the underlying point remains: you can make it in the NFL as UDFA. In the sections below, I list the notable 2026 UDFA signings accomplished by each team (in alphabetical order) along with short commentaries.
I actually feel that a UDFA is in a better position than a 7th-round pick. I know that every player wants to be drafted, but a UDFA can pick his situation instead of having it dictated to him. His contract will also be shorter by a year (3 years vs. 4 years), enabling him to hit free agency sooner and cash in if he flourishes. For all these reasons, it’s important to get to know some of the UDFAs being signed this week and over the next couple of months. These players were either expected to be drafted but passed over or players who were simply undervalued by teams and need just one opportunity to prove themselves.
I’ll stop rambling here; let’s get to the signings! If I missed anyone, please let me know in the comments! I tried to discuss at least one player for each team. This post may be updated if more notable UDFAs sign, so check back occasionally.
Arizona Cardinals
CB Elijah Culp, James Madison: My biggest hint about a UDFA that might stick is the guarantee put in his contract. For Culp, that number is $247.5K, which is hefty sum. At 5’11”, he isn’t overly long, but he finds his way to the ball a lot. In his one season with the Duke, he tallied 8 PBUs. Given Arizona’s poor defense, Culp has a chance to carve out a role.
Atlanta Falcons
C James Brockermeyer, Miami: I really thought all draftable members of the Canes’ line would get picked. That unit spearheaded Miami’s push to the title game, and Brockermeyer was the important pivot. He’s not huge but still manages to fend off large DTs with crafty technique. Incumbent C Ryan Neuzil has one year left on his deal, and I’m curious if Brockermeyer can push him.
Baltimore Ravens
OT Diego Pounds, Ole Miss: Any time a tackle who performs well in the SEC and comes with appropriate length, I take notice. Pounds is a very large man and accordingly doesn’t have great movement skills. His tape is pretty good, but with that athletic profile, I wonder if a move to guard is in his future. Baltimore could also try and develop him as a long-term swing tackle.
S Lardarius Webb Jr, Wake Forest: There’s no mistaking that name Ravens fans: this is indeed the son of the long-time Baltimore CB. The younger Webb played for several schools but finally got some traction with Wake Forest last year. Unfortunately, he’s only 5’9″, so TEs tower over him and RBs truck him. Hopefully he can make the practice squad.
QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: Initially invited to rookie minicamp, Pavia bypassed that step and signed a full UDFA deal with the Ravens. He’s a Heisman finalist and box-office draw, but he’s not an NFL QB. Standing 5’9″ and brining an obnoxious personality, Pavia doesn’t fit the profile of a starter or a backup. As great as he was for college football, his NFL stay might be short.
Buffalo Bills
FB Jackson Acker, Wisconsin: Former Bills FB Reggie Gilliam signed with the Patriots in free agency, and Buffalo never replaced him. That instantly makes Acker the UDFA with the best chance to make Buffalo’s roster. As of now, he’s the only guy on the depth chart. Acker got some run as an RB back in 2023, averaging 4.5 YPC. He then moved to FB, where he became a formidable blocker. His agent did an excellent job directing him because no other team has an opportunity this good for a player at his position.
Carolina Panthers
QB Haynes King, Georgia Tech: I didn’t think that King had an NFL future. He was a really fun college QB with his dual-threat style, but no player can run as much as he did once he reaches the pros. Carolina must’ve been intrigued, as they handed King a $250K guarantee. Either they think he can develop into a better backup than Kenny Pickett or they’re going to try and convert him to another position. I think he’s athletic enough to have an impact, but I don’t know where that might be.
Chicago Bears
QB Miller Moss, Louisville: If you remember Moss fondly, it’s probably because of his 6-TD performance in the 2023 Holiday Bowl. Since then, he’s bit a bit up and down, but he’s competent. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm’s pro-style system has Moss more prepared than the average college QB as well. As seen with Tyson Bagent, the Bears are known to keep a UDFA QB around.
G Caden Barnett, Wyoming: No, I’m not just listing Barnett because he has an awesome nickname (the “Vanilla Gorilla”). His $277.5K contract guarantee suggests that this is a serious UDFA signing. With only 1 sack allowed in 2025, Barnett was stout at his position in college, and he also has experience at RT. Versatile linemen are highly coveted, so keep an eye on Barnett.
Cincinnati Bengals
LB Eric Gentry, USC: Amazingly, Cincinnati didn’t take a single LB in the draft after trotting out one of the worst units a season ago. At last, they’ve added one. Gentry is a unique guy in that he’s 6’6″ with sideline-to-sideline range. Despite his great length, he didn’t always excel at USC. Pro coaching might be able to get the best out of him though, which would be a boon to the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
EDGE Logan Fano, Utah: Cleveland took Spencer Fano 9th overall, but his brother didn’t get drafted. Now they’re reunited! Logan is a bit older, as two of his college seasons ended in torn ACLs. One place where Cleveland is pretty stacked is on the defensive line, so it’ll be hard for Fano to crack the roster. The main point of this signing might be to make Spencer happy. I like that!
Dallas Cowboys
TE Michael Trigg, Baylor: Dallas grabbed one of the best UDFAs of all, as his $200K guarantee indicates. Trigg enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, earning 684 yards and 6 TDs for the Bears. He was once projected to be drafted fairly early, so I’m not sure what happened. To me, he’s much better than half the TEs who were erroneously drafted. Expect him to compete for the TE2 role.
Denver Broncos
LB Taurean York, Texas A&M: Half of the Aggies defense is funneling to the Broncos. They drafted Tyler Onyedim with their top pick, and now they’re adding York. He probably should’ve returned to school, as he’s just 20 years old. On the flip side, that means he has plenty of potential despite being 5’11”. My guess is that he’ll be competing with Mr. Irrelevant Red Murdock for 1 spot.
Detroit Lions
DT Aidan Keanaaina, California: In a sign of our new CFB era, Keanaaina was actually suing the NCAA for another year of eligibility. That’s over now, as Detroit gave him $267.5K guaranteed to commit to their team. Keanaaina is a typical nose tackle who eats space without stuffing the stat sheet. Detroit needs beef on their defensive line, so perhaps they can use him.
Green Bay Packers
WR J Michael Sturdivant, Florida: Sturdivant burst onto the scene as a freshman at Cal, but in his subsequent years at UCLA and Florida, his stats were modest. His physical skillset is anything but: 6’3″ with 4.40 speed. Looking back on his output, I must note that the Bruins and Gators had awful QB play during his time there. Let’s hold off on judging him until we can see what he looks like with a professional passer. Chances are he’ll look more like his freshman self again.
Houston Texans
CB Collin Wright, Stanford: Wright has plenty of size, but a 4.52 time in the 40 betrayed his lack of long speed. That basically disqualifies him from man coverage. Fortunately, Houston has a primarily zone-based defense, where his size can find a home. A move to SS in particular would be a great fit. With so many good DBs in Houston, it may be tough for Wright to make the team.
Indianapolis Colts
DT Cameron Ball, Arkansas: As a 6’5″ nose tackle, Ball won’t demonstrate his usefulness in statistics. He’s a strong run defender though, eating up space in the middle of the defense. A lack of any pass rushing ability (0 sacks in 2025) sent him to the UDFA ranks. Arkansas’ defense was awful, but Ball wasn’t part of the problem. Big bodies are in demand, but he’ll need a good camp.
Jacksonville Jaguars
WR Trebor Pena, Penn State: Jacksonville has a type with their shifty Penn State WRs. Their strategy worked with Parker Washington, who is more explosive than Pena but less sturdily built. Pena’s best year came in 2024, when he had 941 yards and 9 TDs on 84 catches. Everyone at PSU had a worse 2025, so it wouldn’t shock me to see Pena perform better as a Jaguar.
WR/KR Michael Wortham, Montana: I’m always going to shout it out when one of my top 10 draft returners gets signed! Wortham had me curious because of his status as an FCS player, so I wondered if he’d get a shot. The Jags are a bit overcrowded at WR at the moment, so Wortham’s path to the roster is through the return game. He’s a bit of a KaVontae Turpin type: get him the ball in space (especially on kick returns) and let him work. Hopefully he gets the chance to show his stuff.
Kansas City Chiefs
RB EJ Smith, Texas A&M: As you know, I like to pinpoint NFL legacies in this article. Smith is not remotely likely to make the Chiefs’ roster, but he’s the son of the greatest RB ever. How could I not include Emmitt Smith’s kid? The younger Smith will have to make his mark on special teams, as he didn’t do a whole lot on offense during his college years.
WR Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati: Here’s a signing with much more upside. Caldwell is an athletic specimen, running the 40 in 4.31s at 6’5″. He didn’t produce a lot in college though, as he’s incredibly raw. Kansas City is starving for more weapons, but it’ll be a little while before Caldwell can contribute. With some patience, he might be able to develop into a nice deep threat.
Las Vegas Raiders
K Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii: The Tokyo Toe has been signed. I highlighted him during the college football season in a draft nugget. He’s an older prospect, but there are two mitigating factors. 1. He’s a kicker. Age is not super relevant there. 2. Matsuzawa has only kicked for a few years, so he has upside. With only the recently shaky Matt Gay standing in his way, I like Matsuzawa’s chances of winning this upcoming kicking battle. At worst, he’s worth developing on the practice squad.
Los Angeles Chargers
OT Isaiah World, Oregon: World didn’t go undrafted because of talent. He was likely a mid-round prospect before an ACL tear tanked his stock. The 6’6″ tackle was a good performer at Oregon and could easily displace Trey Pipkins as one of the team’s swing tackles. To me, there’s room for both World and 4th-rounder Travis Burke on this roster, as O-line depth is paramount.
EDGE Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan: You probably heard that #2 pick David Bailey tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks. What people never mention is that the man he tied with was Tucker. The MAC DPOY, Tucker also led his conference with 21.5 TFLs. He’s older (25) and slightly undersized, but his motor is relentless. That alone lets him produce in ways other plays don’t.
LB Lander Barton, Utah: Following the money once more, Barton snagged a $264.5K guarantee from the Chargers. He’s a big back with a lot of thump in the run game, but he holds his own in coverage. LA seemed keen on improving their front seven this offseason, and Barton can be a part of the solution. I think he will be good enough at special teams to make the roster.
Los Angeles Rams
CB Al’zillion Hamilton, Fresno State: LA didn’t have an impressive UDFA haul, but their roster is so stacked that they didn’t have much room for them anyway. One guy who could theoretically make the roster is Hamilton. He isn’t long at 5’11”, but he has 8 INTs in 3 years, hasn’t missed a game in that span, and covers with physicality. My sense is that DC Chris Shula would like that.
Miami Dolphins
RB Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M: A highly touted recruit, Moss never reached his potential in college due to injuries and a crowded depth chart. When he played, he looked very good, making him a good fit for a committee. In Miami, Moss will be the fourth back behind De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Ollie Gordon. He’ll have to excel on special teams to convince the Fins to carry 4 RBs.
EDGE Mason Reiger, Wisconsin: Reiger has a worrying injury history, but his athleticism isn’t debated. Neither is his motor. Miami guaranteed him $175K following his 5-sack senior season, and I think he can make the team. The Dolphins desperately need pass rushers to emerge, so a path to playing time exists. If Reiger stays healthy, he’ll make some noise.
Minnesota Vikings
P Brett Thorson, Georgia: A former Ray Guy Award winner doesn’t always go undrafted. Thorson did despite being my top punter in the draft. One potential problem for his chances with the Vikings: Minnesota signed Johnny Hekker (who I like) in free agency. He can audition for 31 other teams though, and he’s Australian, making him eligible for an International Player Pathway exemption if he goes on the practice squad. The Vikings likely want to stash him, but he could get signed away later.
New England Patriots
WR Kyle Dixon, Culver-Stockton College: I admit it: I’ve never heard of this NAIA school. That said, NE gave Dixon a $252.5K guarantee, so they clearly like him. There’s really no way to tell how a player who starred at such a low level will translate to the NFL. I can only go by his 6’4″, 216-lb frame and 4.5 speed. Until AJ Brown eventually becomes a Patriot, the team will have a need in their receiver room. Dixon stands out due to his and guaranteed cash, so he’s the one I’ll be watching this preseason.
New Orleans Saints
OT Alan Herron, Maryland: When thinking about depth, experience is an asset. Herron, a 46-game college starter at RT, has that in spades. New Orleans gave him $272.5K in guarantees to make him a swing tackle, not to cut him in a few months. Herron has an athletic profile that should enable him to flash in camp. Due to his guarantee, he’s almost a roster lock already.
New York Giants
K Dominic Zvada, Michigan: Another kicker I had my eye on, Zvada is only exciting if you view him through the lens of the 2024 season. He wasn’t nearly as accurate this past year, but his 2024 campaign was fantastic. One thing he did well both years was convert FGs from 50+. Zvada will have to fight Jason Sanders for the starting K job, so he may be auditioning for other teams.
RB/KR Damon Bankston, New Mexico: Not one draft list I saw featured Bankston in its RB rankings. Even I can’t claim to have known about him before I started monitoring returners. In addition to the returning abilities that represent his best path toward making the roster, Bankston is a dual-threat RB who can contribute as a runner and as a receiver. He’s a sneaky good add.
OT Ryan Schernecke, Kutztown State: A $282.5K guarantee is huge for a UDFA. It’s even bigger when it goes to a D-II prospect. Schernecke doesn’t look like a small-school player at 6’7″, nor does he play like one. He dominated that low level of competition, showing that he has great upside. New York will now try to develop Schernecke for the future, as he’s not ready for 2026.
CB Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina: I’m starting to think the Giants got ALL the UDFAs. They’re at least paying a lot. Dixon received $282.5K guaranteed from NYG after playing in just 7 games last year. However, his Washington tape from the two prior years was better, and he has ideal length at 6’1″. It’s telling that Bill Belichick wanted this guy in the transfer portal.
New York Jets
WR/PR/KR Caulin Lacy, Louisville: Lacy got a nice chunk of change to join the Jets: $258K guaranteed. While New York already has a great KR in Kene Nwangwu, punts are unaccounted for. Look for Lacy to seize that role while competing for a reserve slot WR job. This version of the Jets seems to care about special teams. That’s great news for Lacy’s roster hopes.
Philadelphia Eagles
LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama: Injury concerns must’ve dropped Lawson down the board, as missed a couple games each year. I thought the talent was enough for him to get drafted anyway. He’s a productive LB with solid size and superb instincts. From what I’ve seen, few LBs are smarter than Lawson in terms of diagnosing plays. His hustle alone might earn him snaps.
Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Devan Boykin, Indiana: Pittsburgh’s haul had slim pickings, but I promised to choose at least one from each team. Boykin played a few nondescript seasons with NC State before demonstrating his skills with the National Champions last year. He picked off 3 passes and made 3 TFLs in 2025. That shows Boykin’s versatility: while small at 5’10”, he played slot CB, SS, and FS for the Hoosiers. You want movable pieces as your backups, and if Boykin can contribute on special teams, he’ll be a keeper.
San Francisco 49ers
DE Mikail Kamara, Indiana: Do you value athleticism or production? Kamara did not test well at all, but he had 10 sacks in 2024 and plenty more pressure last season. He’s a locker room leader with a winning attitude instilled in him by Curt Cignetti. San Francisco badly needs edge rushers, so Kamara will get a chance. I won’t be the one to bet against him.
Seattle Seahawks
TE Lance Mason, Wisconsin: The Seahawks didn’t sign any high-end UDFAs, but Mason is a guy worth watching. He had 398 yards and 4 TDs last year with the Badgers, but his calling card is blocking. Seattle’s depth chart includes AJ Barner, the clear TE1, and Elijah Arroyo, someone with a checkered injury history who also doesn’t block. All Mason has to do is beat out well-traveled journeyman Eric Saubert for the blocking TE role. I think that’s very doable.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech: Rivers had a fantastic 2024 season with FIU before transferring upward to Georgia Tech. His stats took a hit in the team’s run-heavy offense, but that didn’t stop TB from handing him $250K in guarantees. He has blistering 4.35 speed but a slight build, which to me makes him a premium Tez Johnson. Those two could be battling for one spot.
QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas: When he was at Kansas, Daniels showed glimpses of his dual-threat ability, but he missed plenty of time with injuries. As a backup prospect though, that may be forgivable. TB signed Daniels to a deal with $272.5K guaranteed, and the QB2 job is available. The Bucs have Jake Browning penciled in as the backup, and he was a disaster for Cincinnati last year. If Tampa wants a reserve with more upside, the advantage in this QB battle might go to Daniels.
Tennessee Titans
WR/PR Hank Beatty, Illinois: With this signing, all 10 of my top returners have now either been drafted or signed as UDFAs. The problem here is that Tennessee already has a really strong returner in Chimere Dike, and I think Dike is the better WR prospect. Beatty seems like an average slot guy, but with the Titans’ dearth of weapons, maybe he has a shot to crack the roster.
S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC: One thing Fitzgerald does well is take the ball away. He intercepted 5 passes last year and 10 over his 3-year college career. That’s not all he can do though. Fitzgerald is versatile enough to play multiple positions, and though he’s slightly small (5’11”), he proved Tennessee that he was worth $267.5K guaranteed. For a safety prospect, this is one of the easier teams to make. The Titans are weak on the back end, so it was smart of Fitzgerald to sign with them.
Washington Commanders
TE Quentin Moore, Washington: From one Washington to another. Except this time, he’ll make $270K guaranteed. Moore has no receiving production whatsoever. In fact, he never had more than 5 catches or 83 yards in a season. He does, however, have great blocking skills. That will make him an asset in 2-TE sets. I wish more teams would obtain their inline TEs this way.