The Denver Broncos have turned their eyes toward the United Football League, scouting and signing a handful of standout players who have begun to carve out roles on the team's depth chart. Dondrea Tillman, a defensive end whose nine sacks and extensive playing time since joining the Broncos in 2024 have made him a notable success story, exemplifies the kind of hidden gem the club is targeting.
A Strategic Shift
The UFL, formed by the merger of the XFL and USFL and operating independently since 2024, has quickly become a proving ground for athletes who might otherwise slip through the cracks. In 2026, 23 UFL players were signed to NFL rosters, up from just 10 the previous year, underscoring the league's rising stature and the Broncos' aggressive pursuit of its talent.
Coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton have repeatedly emphasized the league's value as a talent incubator, noting that the Broncos respect the competition and see it as a dependable development channel. Zach Potter and Nick Kosmider have reported that the coaching staff views the UFL as a strategic source of depth, especially at positions where the NFL roster is thin.
Among the recent additions, Hakeem Butler set a UFL league record with an average of 22.1 yards per reception in 2025, showcasing his ability to stretch the field, while Sean Fresch Jr. has drawn praise for his work on special teams. Fresch hopes to follow the path of KaVontae Turpin, who transitioned from the USFL to the NFL, and the Broncos see his skill set as a potential asset on kick returns and occasional offensive snaps.
The roster also includes other former UFL standouts such as Baker Mayfield, who has been spotted in Broncos workouts after a stint in the league, and Ja'Quan McMillian, a former Battlehawks standout now on the practice squad. Marvin Mims, another speedy receiver, has been working with the offensive staff as the team evaluates his fit in the new scheme.
The Broncos' front office respects the talent pool in the UFL and views it as a dependable pipeline for future NFL players. With the league's growth and the increasing number of players making the jump to the NFL, Denver's strategy reflects a broader shift in how teams approach talent acquisition, leveraging alternative football platforms to supplement traditional scouting.