The Las Vegas Raiders have been notably quiet on the UFL front in recent years—they haven't signed a player from the league in nearly two to three seasons. But with GM John Spytek emphasizing a constant roster churn to find impact talent, that could be about to change. The UFL season runs until June 13, and while players are eligible to sign at any time, most deals happen from early June through training camp.
Why should the Raiders pay attention? UFL players have proven they can make the leap back to the NFL, especially on special teams—just look at Jake Bates, Brandon Aubrey, and Kevontae Turpin. Other success stories include Vikings DT Jalen Redmond (51 pressures and 5 sacks last season), Falcons LB Ronnie Perkins, Patriots T Yasir Durant, and Broncos LB Dondrea Tillman. These are players who found a second wind in the UFL and made an impact at the highest level.
One intriguing target for Las Vegas is running back Marcus Yarns. At just 24 years old, Yarns went undrafted in 2025 and spent time on the Saints practice squad before heading to the UFL. There, he's turned heads with 35 carries for 212 yards and a touchdown, forcing 11 missed tackles and posting a 64% breakaway rate. He's also added 33 yards as a receiver. Yes, he has two fumbles, but Yarns is an athlete through and through—he runs a 4.45 40-yard dash, shows electric long speed, and has subtle short-area quickness. For a Raiders team looking to bolster its running back depth, Yarns could be a low-risk, high-upside addition.
Another name to watch is wide receiver Trishton Jackson. Standing 6'0" and weighing 180 pounds with 4.38 speed, Jackson's journey has taken him from indoor football to the CFL, then the UFL, and finally a stint with the Vikings from 2023 to 2025. In the UFL, he's logged 18 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns, along with an impressive 87.5% contested catch rate (7 of 8). Despite just 50 snaps in Minnesota, Jackson has the tools and the production to earn another NFL shot.
Note: These aren't necessarily the top UFL players overall—some names were left off due to scheme fit, roster needs, age, or players who may choose to stay in the UFL. But for the Raiders, Yarns and Jackson represent the kind of hungry, proven talent that could add depth and energy to the roster as they look to build for the future.