In the final week of preseason play, NFL teams are making the final cuts to their 53-man rosters. Of the more than 60 UFL athletes currently with NFL teams, these players are making a strong case for themselves.
Perrion Winfrey -Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle
When the Dallas Cowboys soundly defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 on Friday night, former Birmingham Stallions defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey might have secured his spot on the roster. Winfrey dominated in the game with four tackles (two solo), a tackle for a loss, and a huge third-down sack on Falcons’ quarterback Easton Stick. Before becoming an All-UFL Team standout for the Stallions, Winfrey previously played for the Cleveland Browns. His impressive performance throughout the preseason suggests Winfrey has proven himself worthy of a second NFL opportunity. Chances of making the Dallas Roster: 5/5.
In a related note, former spring football star and two-time Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to demonstrate why he is the best kicker in the NFL as he booted a 64-yard field goal on Friday night. The kick is the second-longest recorded field goal in NFL history.
Harrison Mevis -New York Jets Kicker
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles just edged out the New York Jets on Friday night, 19-17. The difference might have been a missed 55-yard field goal by Jets kicker Harrison Mevis. The popular Stallions’ “Thiccer Kicker” had a perfect 3-3 record up until that missed kick, along with 11 extra points. He faces competition from NFL veteran Nick Folk. Mevis played in three preseason games and has been the primary kicker. Folk converted a 41-yard field goal on August 9th and has no extra points to his credit. Chances of Mevis making the Jets roster: 5/5.
The Uphill Battle Faced By UFL Quarterbacks
Even the most talented UFL quarterbacks face an uphill battle to make an NFL roster. Typically added to a deep roster as the third or fourth quarterback in training camp, it’s hard to get enough reps to put together a compelling case for a backup spot on the roster. In addition, if they do play in preseason games, they are most likely playing alongside other less-experienced second-or third-string players. A veteran NFL wide receiver will make the subtle adjustments to come up with a contested catch or a difficult over-the-head reception. However, that skill comes with time and experience and can be the difference between incompletions, dropped balls, and a lower quarterback rating for a UFL player struggling to make the roster.
Bryce Perkins, Carolina Panthers Quarterback
If a UFL quarterback is signed to a team late in the preseason, it significantly lessens his chances of making the roster. Bryce Perkins, the 2025 UFL League MVP and former Michigan Panthers QB, only had a few days of practice with the Carolina Panthers before appearing in a preseason game Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Under those circumstances, it’s not surprising Perkins was unable to mount a scoring drive. Making the situation even more challenging, he was sacked by Steelers’ defender Yahya Black and fumbled the ball.
However, Perkins completed 10 of 11 passes for 71 yards and earned a 79.5 quarterback rating despite taking three sacks. He is fourth on the depth chart behind starter Bryce Young, veteran Andy Dalton, and UDFA second-year player, Jack Plummer. Chances of Perkins making the Panthers’ roster: 2/5.
Adrian Martinez, New York Jets Quarterback
Former Stallions quarterback and UFL MVP Adrian Martinez had a strong preseason, completing 30 of 51 attempts for 351 yards with two interceptions. However, he faces stiff competition in the Jets QB room behind starter Justin Fields and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Martinez is competing with Brady Cook (25 of 38 for 235 yards) for the 3rd backup spot. Both men had an interception in Friday night’s game, but Martinez would appear to have the upper hand over the undrafted Missouri Tigers rookie. Chances of making the Jets’ roster: 3/5.
Dresser Winn-Los Angeles Rams Quarterback
Former Memphis Showboats quarterback Dresser Winn looked impressive in his final preseason appearance with the Los Angeles Rams. He completed 15 of 19 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown in the 19-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Despite being one of the first quarterbacks signed this preseason, this was Winn’s only start. He had a handful of snaps in the season opener against Dallas, but those were only handoffs.
Winn faces stiff competition from the Rams quarterback room behind starter Matthew Stafford, backup Jimmy Garoppolo, and second-year talent Stetson Bennett. This is Winn’s third stint with the Rams, and while he enjoys a good relationship with the team and coach Sean McVay, his limited playing time does not bode well for his chance to make the roster. Winn’s best option is that his strong appearance lands him an opportunity with another NFL team. Perhaps the Las Vegas Raiders should seriously consider signing Winn after losing backup Aidan O’Connell to a fractured wrist this weekend. Chances of making the Rams’ roster: 1/5.
