The UFL spring football season is officially over, which means exciting players like Deon Cain could earn the opportunity in the National Football League. A sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Clemson product bounced around the league for a bit but never found a true home, racking up just nine receptions for 124 during his short career. Is he simply not good enough for the NFL, or did he never find the right opportunity to prove himself?
This is a question that could be answered in the coming days, thanks to his impressive play in the UFL. Labeled as “clearly the best wide receiver in the UFL” by Bleacher Report‘s Brent Sobleski, Deon Cain finished third in receiving yards (514), second in touchdowns (six), and added 421 yards on kick returns despite missing one game to injury.
Perhaps Deon Cain is the football equivalent of baseball players who are too good for Triple-A but not quite good enough for the major leagues. However, he’s earned the opportunity to fight for a roster spot, and the following four teams could take a low-risk, medium-reward flyer on the best the UFL has to offer.
Possible Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots invested heavily in the wide receiver last year, selecting Ja’Lynn Polk in the second round and Javon Baker in the fourth. Unfortunately, both players had disastrous rookie seasons and couldn’t record 100 receiving yards. Baker couldn’t beat out some of the league’s worst wide receivers for playing time, while Polk looked like he had never played the game before. Seeing as the team has a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, Deon Cain could add some competition to the room and potentially beat these two out for a final roster spot.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers spent the offseason bolstering the trenches and improving the running game but didn’t do too much to improve the offensive weapons. Second-round pick Tre Harris will add a vertical element to the passing attack, but free agent signee Mike Williams looked well past his prime last year with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Quentin Johnston is better in a depth role and, with no other receivers of note on the roster, Deon Cain could fight for a spot on this depth chart.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have one of the best wide receiver duos in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Tutu Atwell is a solid role player, but Deon Cain might be able to beat out guys like Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith.
New Orleans Saints
Second-round pick Tyler Shough will likely lead the New Orleans Saints in 2025, and first-year head coach Kellen Moore must do everything in his power to turn him into a franchise quarterback. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are a solid wide receiver duo, but Olave’s extensive concussion history makes him unlikely to play a full 17-game season. Deon Cain isn’t great, but he could provide some insurance for a shaky depth chart.
Main Photo: Emily Faith Morgan – Imagn Images
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