ARLINGTON, TEXAS (August 11, 2026) – Three players from the 2026 United Football League season have signed contracts with NFL clubs, including Dallas Renegades defensive back Tra Fluellen and St. Louis Battlehawks defensive back Trey Dean who joined the Green Bay Packers, while DC Defenders linebacker Curtis Jacobs has joined the Washington Commanders.
DB Tra Fluellen (6-0, 212, Middle Tennessee)
Fluellen played in all 10 games for the Dallas Renegades in 2026, recording 40 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, 1.0 sack, one interception and two passes defensed. Fluellen originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2024 and spent time on the club's practice squad. He began his collegiate career at Houston Christian, where he earned HERO Sports Freshman All-America honors and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award after recording 101 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in 2019. He transferred to Middle Tennessee, where he finished his college career with 323 tackles and was named a permanent team captain as a senior.
DB Trey Dean (6-2, 201, Florida)
Dean appeared in five regular-season games for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2026, recording 15 tackles, 1.0 sack, and one forced fumble, also adding four tackles in the playoffs. He also played in one game for the Louisville Kings earlier in the season, recording three tackles. Dean originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2023 before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, where he was part of the club's Super Bowl LVIII championship team. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns prior to his time in the UFL. A five-year starter at Florida, Dean finished his collegiate career with 259 tackles and was named Defensive MVP of the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl.
LB Curtis Jacobs (6-1, 243, Penn State)
Jacobs played in 10 games for the DC Defenders in 2026, recording 42 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. Jacobs originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and spent time with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans. At Penn State, Jacobs was a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and a Butkus Award semifinalist. He started 36 games during his collegiate career and finished with 172 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
Each UFL team retains the future rights to their respective players should they return to the league.