The United Football League released another round of roster moves as teams continue shaping their rosters for the 2026 season. Training camps open February 19-20, and the season kicks off March 27. Here are the latest transactions.
Players Removed From Roster
Columbus Aviators
- WR Amari Rodgers
Houston Gamblers
- CB Damon Arnette
- T Christian DiLauro
- T Jaryd Jones-Smith
Orlando Storm
- TE J.J. Galbreath
Players Added To Roster
- LB Markus Bailey
- G Preston Wilson
Players To Watch
Players To Watch
Amari Rodgers, WR – Released by Columbus Aviators
Rodgers was removed from the Columbus roster after announcing his retirement on January 14, 2026. The Columbus Aviators claimed his rights from the Birmingham Stallions during the 2026 UFL allocation process. Rodgers refused to report to the new franchise and opted to retire. The Aviators formally waived him on January 22, 2026.
The Green Bay Packers selected him in the third round (85th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Clemson. The Packers traded up to select him.
Rodgers played 16 games for Green Bay as a rookie. He struggled as a punt returner in his second season, fumbling four times in 10 games. The Packers released him in November 2022. The Houston Texans claimed him off waivers and he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 28-yard reception in December 2022. He finished the 2022 season with 16 catches for 204 yards and one touchdown. The Texans waived him in July 2023. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts in August 2023.
At Clemson, Rodgers caught 181 passes for 2,144 yards and 15 touchdowns over his career. He won four ACC championships and one National Championship with the Tigers.
In 2025 with Birmingham, Rodgers led the UFL with 283 punt return yards. He recorded 14 catches for 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.
Damon Arnette, CB – Released by Houston Gamblers
Arnette was removed from the Houston roster after playing for the Houston Roughnecks in the 2025 UFL season. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him 19th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He played 13 games over two seasons with the Raiders before his release in November 2021.
Arnette signed with the Houston Texans in June 2025 after playing for the Roughnecks. He recorded 19 tackles, one sack, and a pick-six in eight games with the Roughnecks. The Texans elevated him from the practice squad in October 2025. It marked his first regular-season NFL action since October 4, 2021. The Texans released him from their practice squad on December 23, 2025.
At Ohio State, Arnette recorded 140 tackles and five interceptions over his career. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2019.
Markus Bailey, LB – Birmingham Stallions
Bailey joins the Birmingham Stallions, three-time UFL champions (2022-2024). The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the seventh round (215th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Purdue. He played four seasons with the Bengals and appeared in 60 games. He recorded 73 tackles over his NFL career. He earned his first NFL start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 of the 2021 season.
Bailey signed with the Arizona Cardinals in May 2024. The NFL suspended him six games in November 2024 for violating the league’s PED policy. Bailey denied intentional use of any banned substance.
At Purdue, Bailey finished his career with 327 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks. He had a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown against second-ranked Ohio State in 2018. He was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy as the nation’s top football scholar-athlete. Bailey overcame two ACL tears during his college career.
Looking Ahead
Teams will continue making roster moves in the coming weeks. Training camp opens February 19-20. The UFL season begins March 27. Stay tuned for more transaction updates.
1 Comment
by Ken Granito
Although these departures could be a symptom of the league being in question as compared with the way the league was earlier, I give the teams credit for at least selecting such players. Even though will now have to go find another, most likely lesser player at least the coaches are doing what they can do to try to put a competitive league out there.