The Detroit Lions continue to tap into United Football League talent, adding another standout from the St. Louis Battlehawks to their roster. Just a day after cornerback Nick Whiteside joined the team, running back Jacob Saylors has also signed with Detroit.
Saylors has been a dynamic force in the UFL, earning back-to-back All-UFL honors over the last two seasons. Known for his explosiveness and versatility, he made a significant impact on the Battlehawks’ offense.
In the 2025 UFL campaign, Saylors posted 499 rushing yards — the second-highest in the league — and scored five touchdowns on the ground, tying him for second place in that category. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the season with a strong offensive grade of 80.8. He also contributed through the air, adding 246 receiving yards, showing his ability to operate as a dual-threat back.
His breakout year in 2024 saw him lead the league in rushing yards with 461, finishing just behind quarterback and MVP Adrian Martinez in total ground yardage. He also added five rushing scores, again placing him near the top of the leaderboard.
Saylors’ UFL success drew NFL attention last year, earning him a stint with the New York Giants during the preseason. Although he later joined the Cleveland Browns and showed promise — including a 30-yard performance on just five carries in Week 3 — he was ultimately released during roster cuts.
Now, following another stellar UFL showing, Saylors is headed back to the NFL with the Lions. Detroit has shown ongoing interest in evaluating UFL running backs, previously giving Toa Taua a workout before Taua signed with the Browns.
This marks the second UFL player from St. Louis to join Detroit’s roster this offseason. The Lions’ growing relationship with the Battlehawks is becoming a noteworthy pipeline, and it’s clear that the visibility provided by the UFL is opening doors for top-tier talent like Saylors.
What do you think about Saylors joining the Lions? Could another Battlehawks player follow his lead? Share your take or jump into the discussion on Discord.
