Could a former Eagles UFL success spark discussions about a possible reunion?
As you're reading this, the Philadelphia Eagles have started another phase of their offseason workout program. As OTAs begin, there's so much to talk about, not only about what's happening at the NovaCare Complex, but what's going on with Philly sports in general.
Following a 2-0 win over the hated Atlanta Braves one day after Memorial Day, the Phillies have won ten of their last 11 games. They lead the New York Mets as the top team in the National League East, and as June approaches, thoughts will soon shift to the 2025 NBA Draft, where the 76ers own the third overall selection.
In the City of Brotherly Love, however, the Eagles are typically the top story. Why discuss Ace Bailey when we can toss around theories about one of the best players in the UFL? Oh, and by the way, he's a wide receiver who once played for, you guessed it, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Should the Eagles care that one of their former WRs has reinvented himself in the UFL?
The UFL is set to enter its final week of action this coming weekend. Truth be told, they've produced some good football if you've been paying attention.
One of the standouts was once a member of the Eagles' roster, and he's been doing some great things during spring football for a while. The Birmingham Stallion was named the most valuable player of the 2023 USFL Championship Game. He was part of the Stallions team that won the UFL Championship in 2024.
He's currently third in receiving yards this season (491). He ranks third in yards per reception, and he ranks second in touchdown receptions with six trips to the end zone.
Deon Cain enjoyed stints with Philly in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He never caught a pass in an Eagles game but boasts nine receptions and 124 yards receiving for his NFL career after spending some on-field time with the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Might Philadelphia consider a reunion? The truth is that they probably shouldn't unless they're looking for training camp bodies as the summer wears on. The UFL is a long way from the National Football League in terms of competition and talent, and Cain's success while playing spring football probably has little bearing on how well he'd transition to football's highest level.
We could debate whether Cain is better than Elijah Cooks, Darius Cooper, Danny Gray, Taylor Morin, or Giles Jackson. It's doubtful, however, that he's overtaking Terrace Marshall for a roster spot. He certainly isn't stealing any playing time from A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Ainias Smith, or Johnny Wilson on an Eagles squad that will probably carry six wideouts on the 53-man regular-season roster.
That means Cain's ceiling is a spot on the Eagles' practice squad. If he's willing to compete for that designation, discussions about a possible reunion are feasible. Otherwise, this is a conversation we can end pretty quickly.
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