Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Breeland Speaks appears to have finally found a fit in the UFL. Speaks has piled up 94 tackles, 21 TFLs, 18.5 sacks with the Michigan Panthers, re-signing after it had become clear that his NFL career wasn't going to resume. This is a bit of a surprise when you look at the production of the former Kansas City pick and consider what that could mean in a rotational role if it could translate to the next level.
However, it does make sense that sticking in the UFL is the play, considering how many teams Speaks failed with before going on his latest run with Michigan.
Breeland Speaks Puts NFL Struggles in Rearview With New UFL Deal
Speaks was the 46th overall pick back in the 2018 draft, becoming the first draft pick of the Brett Veach era, and proving to be a rare draft miss from the GM. After leaving the franchise in 2020, Speaks would spend time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars in an effort to lock down a roster spot.
The majority of this time was spent in camp or as a practice squad piece, attempting to breathe life back into his career. It makes sense that the league would have a heavy level of skepticism around the veteran based on the Chiefs being unable to make it work. Considering Kansas City's elite player development, this adds up. All of this explains why Speaks was unable to find an NFL landing spot and will settle for another season with the Michigan Panthers.
It's great to see Speaks finally find some success, even if it is in a lesser role. The UFL has made it clear that they view themselves as a potential NFL pipeline, but for a player like Speaks it could instead serve as a long-term home. Signing a new contract after an award-winning season shows his commitment to sticking around in the minor leagues.
Looking at Kansas City's roster, there was zero reason to consider a reunion with Speaks. The Chiefs don't have the roster spot nor the patience to find out if Speaks has truly turned the corner or if the production is simply a product of facing lesser competition. But he's thriving in the UFL, and thinking about what he could do back in the NFL makes for a fun "what-if?"