ARLINGTON, TX (August 9, 2026) – It was announced today that Houston Gamblers linebacker Eugene Asante and Orlando Storm tight end Shawn Bowman have signed contracts with the Arizona Cardinals, while Birmingham Stallions defensive back Ryan “Bump” Cooper signed with the Detroit Lions. The three additions bring the total to 42 players from the 2026 UFL season who have signed NFL contracts since the conclusion of the season. The Lions have signed the most players from the 2026 UFL rosters to date with six, five of which remain on their current roster. The Cardinals now have three players signed from 2026 UFL rosters.
Asante (6-1, 226, Auburn) played nine games for the Gamblers in 2026, recording 41 tackles, including 24 solo stops, 4.0 tackles for loss, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles. The Alexandria, Virginia, native began his professional career in 2025 as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins. He spent time on the practice squads of the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons during his rookie season.
Asante played collegiately at North Carolina and Auburn, appearing in 65 games during his career. He recorded 62 tackles in three seasons at North Carolina before transferring to Auburn, where he became a team captain. In 2023, Asante led the Tigers with 86 tackles, five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss while earning All-SEC honors. He also was named to the Bednarik and Butkus Award watch lists. Asante ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, ranking second among participating linebackers.
Bowman (6-4, 249) played in all 10 games for Orlando in 2026, recording seven receptions for 53 yards. He also saw action in the Storm’s postseason appearance. Bowman joined Orlando after spending the previous two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He spent the 2024 regular season on the Jaguars practice squad and later signed a reserve/futures contract for 2025 but was waived during final roster cuts.
A native of Bear, Delaware, Bowman played collegiately at Maine and Rutgers. He was a two-time All-CAA selection at Maine and finished his collegiate career with 90 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns in 47 games. At Rutgers, he played in all 13 games in 2023, making four starts and recording four receptions for 24 yards.
Cooper (5-11, 186) played nine games for Birmingham in 2026, recording 30 tackles, including 22 solo stops, four pass breakups and one interception. The San Jose, California, native began his professional career in 2024 as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent the majority of his rookie season on Baltimore’s practice squad before being elevated for the Ravens Week 8 game against Cleveland, making his NFL debut. Cooper also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets before joining the Stallions.
Cooper played collegiately at Oregon State after beginning his career at the College of San Mateo. He earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors in 2022 and 2023, and finished his Oregon State career with 82 tackles, five interceptions and 18 pass breakups in 23 games. In 2023, he recorded 37 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception that he returned 67 yards for a touchdown against UCLA.
The respective UFL teams retain the future rights to any player who returns to the league.