- May 21, 2026
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The NFL hasn't had its own development league since the plug was pulled on NFL Europe nearly 20 years ago. Currently, the UFL is filling that void.
Broncos coach Sean Payton, whose team recently signed UFL receiver Hakeem Butler and UFL cornerback Sean Fresch Jr., was asked on Wednesday whether Denver's scouts have made a concerted effort to target UFL players.
"I asked the question of the scouts the other day like, ‘UFL or CFL? Where are we getting the better [players]?'" Payton told reporters. "I don’t know how many years in, five, six, seven with the UFL, and I think it’s kind of becoming that, ‘OK, where’s the next market?’ They’re getting developed somewhere. Where are they if they’re not in our league? I think to their league’s credit, it’s helping us."
Technically, the UFL has been around for only three years. It arose from a merger of the XFL and the USFL.
Payton also was asked whether it helps players with limited NFL experience to get UFL reps.
“Well, they don’t have a choice," Payton said. "But yes. Do I think guys can go get exposure, get experience, get confidence? History has said there are Hall of Famers now for our league that played up in the CFL."
The NFL doesn't have a developmental league because, frankly, it didn't turn a profit (or enough of one) with NFL Europe. If it had, NFL Europe would have endured.
Follow the money. If the NFL believed the money would follow the establishment of a developmental league, the NFL would absolutely have one.
Broncos coach Sean Payton, whose team recently signed UFL receiver Hakeem Butler and UFL cornerback Sean Fresch Jr., was asked on Wednesday whether Denver's scouts have made a concerted effort to target UFL players.
"I asked the question of the scouts the other day like, ‘UFL or CFL? Where are we getting the better [players]?'" Payton told reporters. "I don’t know how many years in, five, six, seven with the UFL, and I think it’s kind of becoming that, ‘OK, where’s the next market?’ They’re getting developed somewhere. Where are they if they’re not in our league? I think to their league’s credit, it’s helping us."
Technically, the UFL has been around for only three years. It arose from a merger of the XFL and the USFL.
Payton also was asked whether it helps players with limited NFL experience to get UFL reps.
“Well, they don’t have a choice," Payton said. "But yes. Do I think guys can go get exposure, get experience, get confidence? History has said there are Hall of Famers now for our league that played up in the CFL."
The NFL doesn't have a developmental league because, frankly, it didn't turn a profit (or enough of one) with NFL Europe. If it had, NFL Europe would have endured.
Follow the money. If the NFL believed the money would follow the establishment of a developmental league, the NFL would absolutely have one.