As the NFL gears up for its biggest stage, another league is quietly getting ready to kick off its own season-and for a handful of former Bengals, the United Football League (UFL) represents more than just a second chance. It’s a shot at redemption, reinvention, and maybe even a path back to the league that once called their number.
The UFL held its draft a couple of weeks ago, tucked between Super Wild Card Weekend and the Divisional Round. While it didn’t make national headlines, the league continues to gain traction as a proving ground for players looking to reignite their careers. This year’s draft featured a familiar trend: a wave of former NFL talent, including several ex-Bengals, hoping to make their mark in the spring league.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the names Bengals fans might recognize-and why they’re worth keeping an eye on when the UFL season kicks off March 27.
A Handful of Former Bengals Practice Squad Players Get a Fresh Start
They may not be household names, but for Bengals fans who follow the roster beyond the 53-man depth chart, a few of these names might ring a bell.
Defensive linemen Domenique Davis (Dallas Renegades), Isaiah Thomas (Columbus Aviators), Raymond Johnson III (St. Louis Battlehawks), and Devonnsha Maxwell (DC Defenders) all spent time with the Bengals in recent years-mostly on the practice squad.
The lone exception to the defensive line theme is cornerback Allan George, now with the Orlando Storm. George stuck around Cincinnati’s practice squad for two seasons and saw limited action in 2022, recording a few tackles in four games.
Davis and George are the only two from this group who logged any real game snaps in stripes, combining for just five tackles. But that’s the beauty of the UFL: it’s an opportunity to flip the narrative. For players like these, a strong spring showing could be the difference between fading out of the league and earning another NFL contract.
A.J. McCarron Takes the Headset in Birmingham
Now here’s a name Bengals fans know well: A.J. McCarron.
The former Alabama standout and Bengals backup quarterback made a name for himself in Cincinnati when he stepped in for an injured Andy Dalton during the 2015 playoff run. McCarron’s most recent stint with the Bengals came in 2023, where he saw limited action but nearly added a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins-if not for a penalty that brought it back.
After spending the past few UFL seasons under center for the St. Louis Battlehawks, McCarron is stepping into a new role: head coach of the Birmingham Stallions. It’s a full-circle moment for the former QB, returning to the state that made him a college football icon.
This will be McCarron’s first head coaching job, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he transitions from player to leader on the sidelines. Coaching in the UFL could be the first step toward a long-term career on the sidelines-and who knows, maybe even a return to the NFL in a different capacity down the line.
Jackson Carman: From Second-Round Pick to UFL Draft Selection
If there’s one name in this group that still stings a bit for Bengals fans, it’s Jackson Carman.
Drafted 46th overall in 2021, Carman was supposed to be a cornerstone of the offensive line protecting Joe Burrow. Instead, his time in Cincinnati was marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations.
The tough part? He was picked just ahead of Creed Humphrey, who’s become a perennial All-Pro and Pro Bowler for the Chiefs.
Carman played all 17 games in his rookie season but saw limited action over the next two years. After a short stint with the Dolphins-mostly bouncing between the practice squad and active roster-he was waived before the 2025-26 NFL season.
Now, he’s heading to the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, where he’ll reunite with former teammate A.J. McCarron, this time with McCarron as his head coach. It’s a fresh start for Carman and a chance to show he can still be the player the Bengals once believed in.
Let’s not forget: Carman was the starting left tackle in Cincinnati’s last playoff win-a dominant 27-10 road victory over the Bills. The talent is there. The question now is whether he can put it all together in this new chapter.
Kwamie Lassiter II Gets Another Shot Close to Home
Technically, Kwamie Lassiter II fits into the “practice squad” category, but his story carries a little more weight.
Signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Lassiter had a strong preseason as a rookie-hauling in 13 catches for 138 yards across three games. But during the regular season, he only saw the field twice in two years, logging just 13 snaps.
His lone NFL catch? A two-yard reception in a 2023 win over the Cardinals.
On paper, it’s a small moment. But it came against the team his late father, Kwamie Lassiter, once starred for.
For Lassiter II, that catch was more than just a stat-it was a personal milestone.
Now, he’ll suit up for the Louisville Kings, just a short drive from Cincinnati. It’s a homecoming of sorts and a chance to write the next chapter of his football journey. With the right opportunity, Lassiter could turn heads this spring and earn another shot at the league.
The UFL’s Spring Platform: More Than Just a Second Chance
For these former Bengals-some well-known, others less so-the UFL represents more than just a place to play football. It’s a platform to prove they still belong in the conversation. Whether it’s McCarron stepping into a leadership role, Carman trying to reclaim his promise, or practice squad players looking to make the leap, the stakes are real.
So when the UFL season kicks off in March, don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces making noise. The road back to the NFL is never easy-but for these players, it’s still wide open.
Who knows? One strong spring could be all it takes.