The NFL Draft may be the premier event for teams to acquire talent, but the hunt for hidden gems doesn’t end when Mr. Irrelevant is selected. Every year, undrafted free agents (UDFAs) emerge as impactful players in the league, defying the odds and making their mark on Sundays. The 2024 offseason has already seen several noteworthy signings, showcasing the keen eye for talent among NFL front offices.
In a flurry of post-draft activity, teams wasted no time in securing promising prospects who slipped through the cracks of the draft process. One such standout is Xavier Weaver, the wide receiver out of Colorado, who landed with the Arizona Cardinals. Weaver’s blend of size, speed, and route-running prowess could make him a valuable asset in the Cardinals’ passing attack. The Buffalo Bills added a familiar name to their roster by signing Frank Gore Jr. from Southern Mississippi. With his father’s legacy looming large, Gore Jr. aims to carve out his own path in the NFL and contribute to Buffalo’s backfield.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers addressed their quarterback depth by bringing in Jack Plummer, the signal-caller from Louisville. Plummer’s poise in the pocket and ability to make plays downfield could provide the Panthers with a reliable backup option behind their incumbent starter. The Denver Broncos bolstered their running back stable with the addition of Blake Watson from Memphis. Known for his elusive running style and breakaway speed, Watson adds another dimension to the Broncos’ ground game.
Sibling rivalry takes on a new meaning in Houston as the Texans inked both Jadon and Jaxon Janke from South Dakota State University. The brothers, known for their tenacity and athleticism, aim to make an impact together on the Texans’ roster. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the search for a quarterback ended with the signing of Carter Bradley out of South Alabama. The Raiders hope Bradley’s collegiate success translates to the professional level as they aim to solidify their QB room. Special teams received a boost in New Orleans with the acquisition of a punter and a wide receiver from Yale.
The Saints’ commitment to depth across all positions reflects their dedication to fielding a well-rounded roster. The Tennessee Titans added depth to their backfield by signing Dillon Johnson from Washington. Johnson’s versatility as a runner and receiver could provide the Titans with a dynamic threat out of the backfield. The Washington Commanders addressed their quarterback situation by bringing in Sam Hartman from Notre Dame. Hartman’s experience and leadership qualities could provide a valuable asset to the Commanders’ quarterback room.
Mizzou alumni made waves across the league with several notable signings. Marcellus Johnson joins the New York Giants, Harrison Mevis heads to the Carolina Panthers, and Cody Schrader finds a home in San Francisco, adding depth and talent to their respective teams. The influx of talent from college ranks extends beyond traditional football powerhouses. Ryan Sanborn from Texas, DeShaun Fenwick from Oregon State, and Will Putnam from Clemson highlight the diversity of talent that UDFAs bring to the NFL.
Financial incentives sweetened the deal for some undrafted rookies, with teams offering signing bonuses and guaranteed money to secure their services. From the Los Angeles Rams’ $9,000 bonus to LSU linebacker Omar Speights to the Philadelphia Eagles’ $150,000 guarantee for safety Andre Sam, these investments underscore the value teams see in undrafted talent. As training camp approaches, these UDFAs will have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot on their respective rosters.
