The Kansas City Chiefs brought in Justyn Ross in the 2022 offseason as an undrafted free agent, hoping the Clemson product could develop into a depth option. His K.C. run didn't amount to much, though, as Ross had six catches for 53 career receiving yards in 12 games, struggling to carve out a role in the Chiefs' offense. Although he started last offseason with a futures contract, Kansas City eventually pulled the plug with a release in July.
Now, Ross is getting a new lease on life after sitting on the sidelines for the 2025 season. The United Football League's Birmingham Stallions announced on Wednesday that they have drafted Ross to their roster.
It is a chance for Ross to have consistent playing time and perhaps earn a chance at another contract. The UFL has proven to be a great pipeline to NFL talent with Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates and Dallas Cowboys receiver and returner KaVontae Turpin as recent examples. Turning the clock back a bit, receiver Hakeem Butler earned a second chance at an NFL career after spending multiple seasons in the XFL and UFL.
Justyn Ross Drafted by Stallions 6 Months After Chiefs Release
Ross now has an opportunity not only to play meaningful snaps but to breathe life back into his NFL career. There are teams badly in need of receiver depth that will be willing to take a chance on Ross if he can put together a consistent resume in the UFL. He showed promise with 158 catches for 2,379 yards and 20 touchdowns in 39 collegiate games, and if he's still capable of being that player, maybe the Stallions can drag it out of him.
Another ex-Chief and Clemson product followed the same UFL path to give himself a second chance. After four years with Kansas City and another with the Seattle Seahawks, Cornell Powell spent parts of 2025 with the DC Defenders. The Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers ended up bringing him in during August and November, respectively, and while those runs didn't last long, they may not have happened at all if it weren't for the UFL.
Ross is making the smart decision, as it's hard to imagine any NFL teams having much interest in him until he proves himself. The league is a "what-have-you-done-lately" business, and given the 28-year-old's nearly blank resume, it's clear that he must pounce on any opportunities he can get to bolster his value.
For the Chiefs, it's hard to imagine a reunion down the line, even if Ross' UFL attempt goes well. Kansas City had parts of four offseasons to figure out if he was a good fit or not. While injuries played a role in his frustrating run, it goes without saying that he also didn't do enough when he was occasionally healthy to keep him in town.
Nevertheless, Chiefs fans will be paying close attention to Ross' new venture, interested to see if it'll be enough to spark a potential NFL return.