Every year, the NFL draft brings a wave of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) hungry to prove they belong. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, one name generating quiet buzz is wide receiver Michael Wortham. After signing with the team following the 2026 draft, the question is simple: can he turn that opportunity into a spot on the 53-man roster?
Wortham's path to Jacksonville wasn't a straight line. After two relatively quiet seasons at Eastern Washington, where he saw just 32 total targets, he transferred to Montana and exploded onto the scene. In 2025, he commanded 100 targets and hauled in an impressive 80 of them, racking up 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. That's the kind of breakout that turns heads.
What makes Wortham particularly intriguing is his versatility. He spent most of his snaps in the slot, but he wasn't just a safety valve. He averaged a solid 14.2 yards per catch, showing he can stretch the field. And when the ball was in his hands, he was electric—averaging 8.4 yards after the catch, tied for seventh-best in the FCS.
But Wortham's value doesn't stop at receiver. He also contributed heavily on special teams, handling 29 kick returns and eight punt returns. His averages of 25.5 yards per kick return and 13.9 yards per punt return suggest he could provide a spark in the return game—a crucial edge for any UDFA fighting for a roster spot.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein describes Wortham as a "versatile slot receiver" who can run, catch, throw, and return kicks. His background as a high school quarterback adds another layer, making him a candidate for Wildcat looks or gadget plays. However, Zierlein also notes that while his hands are good, he needs to refine his route running and break points to consistently separate from NFL defenders.
Wortham posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 7.01 out of 10, ranking him 1,254th among 4,196 wide receivers since 1987. It's not elite, but it's more than enough to build on—especially when paired with his production and versatility.
For a UDFA, making the 53-man roster is an uphill climb. But Wortham brings a combination of reliable hands, yards-after-catch ability, and special teams value that could make him a difficult cut. If he can convince the Jaguars he's a plus in even one of those areas, he just might carve out a role come September.