*This is an ongoing story, will be updated upon news reports*
While Tennessee sent four players to the NFL through the draft this weekend, a handful more Volunteers are looking for their entry into the league through an undrafted free agent contract.
The UDFA contract is an uphill battle, but it’s an opportunity nonetheless. Players such as Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, and James Harrison all entered the league through this route. Tennessee has had a number of UDFAs make an impact, such as Arian Foster and Emmanuel Moseley.
Tennessee’s four NFL Draft picks this weekend were EDGE James Pearce Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round, DT Omarr Norman-Lott to the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round, WR Dont’e Thornton to the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round, and RB Dylan Sampson to the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round.
More from RTI: Cleveland Browns Select Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson In Fourth Round Of NFL Draft
Here’s a look at Tennessee’s former players who are reportedly set to sign undrafted free agent contracts following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon:
*Will be updated*
DL Omari Thomas – New Orleans Saints
According to a report from The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, former Tennessee defensive tackle Omari Thomas is signing with the New Orleans Saints. Thomas was a defensive lineman for his entire career, but did go through some offensive lineman drills during his Pro Day workout in Knoxville last month. While he wasn’t projected to be taken in the draft, the Saints may have liked the versatility that the Memphis native showed.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive lineman racked up 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five sacks during 61 career games with the Volunteers.
DL Elijah Simmons – Arizona Cardinals
As announced by Tennessee, former UT defensive tackle Elijah Simmons is signing with the Cardinals. While Simmons was looked at as a fringe player for the late rounds, he ended up falling out of the draft. The Cardinals are getting a player with size and strength in the trenches, who could reach his ceiling with coaching at the next level. It’s not a surprise to see Simmons picked up after the draft on Saturday.
The 6-foot-2, 340-pound lineman tallied 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and half a sack in 55 games with the Volunteers.
S Will Brooks – Kansas City Chiefs
Safety Will Brooks is signing with the Chiefs, Tennessee announced on Saturday evening. Brooks will arrive with former defensive teammate Omarr Norman-Lott, who was a second-round pick by the Chiefs on Friday night.
Brooks burst onto the scene during his final season in Knoxville after starting to emerge the year before. The Alabama native recorded 77 tackles, five tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and one touchdown in his final two seasons on Rocky Top. One of the smartest players in the building, Brooks will have a chance to make an impression on the Chiefs’ defense during training camp.
