3 more UFL players the Jets should target after signing Harrison Mevis

The New York Jets are tapping into the UFL well again in 2025. A year after the Jets signed several standouts, including league MVP quarterback Adrian Martinez, a new regime has restarted that trend, signing former All-SEC kicker Harrison Mevis.

The 240-pound specialist dubbed the 'Thiccer Kicker' is coming off a stellar 2025 season for the Birmingham Stallions. Kicking in 11 games, including the postseason, Mevis connected on 21-of-23 field goals with six kicks over 50 yards, and a long of 56 yards achieved in the playoffs.

The UFL, formed by the 2023 merger of the XFL and USFL, has emerged as a legitimate pipeline for NFL talent, offering teams a cost-effective way to bolster rosters with battle-tested players.

Nearly 20% of UFL players from the 2024 season — approximately 80 out of 400 — signed NFL contracts in 2024, with some becoming key contributors or earning roster spots.

The Jets are hoping that 'Money Mevis' follows the path of recent spring pro league specialists such as former Birmingham Stallion/Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Brandon Aubrey and Michigan Panthers turned Detroit Lions star kicker Jake Bates.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn witnessed the seamless transition of Bates from the UFL to the NFL firsthand last season in Detroit. Jets GM Darren Mougey also saw the Denver Broncos unearth a gem from the UFL when they signed linebacker/edge rusher Dondrea Tillman in 2024.

The star Stallions player became a key contributor down the stretch of Denver's playoff run last season, registering five sacks in 12 games and also playing a pivotal role on special teams.

The Jets heading into training camp may not, and perhaps should not, stop at Mevis when it comes to signing UFL players to bolster roster depth this summer and into the 2025 season. Here are a few UFL standouts that the team should consider signing.

UFL players the NY Jets should sign

1. Jordan Ta'amu, QB, DC Defenders

Ta'amu had a stellar 2025 season, leading the UFL with 2,153 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. In the UFL Championship, he threw for 390 yards and four touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown and a receiving score on a two-point conversion, earning MVP honors in a 58-point rout of the Michigan Panthers.

His 13.9 yards per completion and ability to operate a balanced offense with play-action and RPO schemes showcased his dual-threat ability.

At only 27 years old, with several seasons of professional starting experience under his belt, Ta'amu has the type of skillset that perfectly fits former DC Defenders offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand's offense.

The Jets have two proven veteran NFL quarterbacks in Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Barring injury, both players are locks to be on the 53-player roster come September.

And with another UFL MVP in Adrian Martinez and promising rookie Brady Cook, the odds of the Jets adding Ta'amu are slim. However, he should be the go-to option if an injury occurs at quarterback this summer.

2. Ryan Nelson, LT, Michigan Panthers

Before his breakout UFL campaign this season, Ryan Nelson was best known to some as the player responsible for motion captures of all offensive linemen in EA Sports games. In the real world, Nelson earned All-UFL honors in 2025 for his standout play at left tackle.

Starting for Michigan in the UFL Championship game against the DC Defenders, Nelson, one of the top graded linemen by PFF, was a key part of an offensive line that supported MVP quarterback Bryce Perkins’ 1,342 passing yards and 269 rushing yards in just seven games.

The former Virginia standout started 49 consecutive games at tackle and guard for the Cavaliers. It's that type of versatility that makes Nelson an intriguing depth piece for the Jets.

One area that could significantly halt the Jets' chances of being competitive in 2025 is their depth at left tackle. Many experts feel that the Jets' currently configured offensive line, with the addition of right tackle Armand Membou, can be its best in years.

However, one injury to a recovering Olu Fashanu could derail the Jets' entire offense with questionable depth behind him. Nelson can give the Jets added insurance.

3. Chris Rowland, WR/KR, DC Defenders

The opportunity for Chris Rowland to once again get a crack at an NFL roster is long overdue. It's been four years since the former Deacon Jones Award winner at Tennessee State has been granted a shot to make an NFL team.

Rowland is a much better player now at 27 than he was when spending time on the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans rosters. As one UFL GM recently wrote to me about Rowland's evolution as a player, "If 12 gets in an NFL building now … NO WAY he gets cut!"

For two consecutive seasons, Rowland has been named an All-United Football League player. In 2025, Rowland was All-UFL at slot receiver and kick returner.

He was also nominated as league sportsman of the year. The muscled-up 5-foot-9, 180-pound Rowland's high character, return prowess, and ability to play slot receiver align with the Jets’ need for effective, versatile playmakers.

During Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand's time in Detroit, the Lions had a similar back-end roster player in another spring league standout, Maurice Alexander, who has joined Ben Johnson in Chicago.

Rowland fits the bill of what the Jets are looking for in their locker room, but can be so much more than just an extra body.

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