AAF Report: Pro Football Headlines From Around The Globe
The World Famous All Access Football Report brings you pro football news from the NFL, CFL, UFL, ELF, IFL, AF1 and more.
The World Famous All Access Football Report Is Powered By Royal Retros, ‘The King of Throwback.’ Your one-stop shop for Retro Football such as CFL, UFL, AF1 & More.
In this week’s edition of the ‘World Famous All Access Football Report,’ we examine the latest news from NFL minicamps, take a deep-dive look at some of the noteworthy transactions made in the CFL during final cuts, plus the All Access Football All-UFL Team and of course, our Power Rankings for ALL leagues football!
NFL OTA RUMBLINGS
It appears that the Atlanta Falcons will hold onto quarterback Kirk Cousins for the 2025 season. The 14-year veteran started 14 games for Atlanta last season, before handing over the reins to first round pick Michael Penix Jr., who has since assumed QB1 duties. For Cousins, who lead the league with 16 interceptions in 2024, he received a $50M guaranteed signing bonus, plus a $12.5M salary in 2024. His $10M guaranteed roster bonus for 2025 kicked in on Saturday and he is guaranteed another $27.5M this upcoming season. That’s quite the pricey insurance policy. Still, should a starting quarterback go down during training camp, the Falcons will likely be the first call that NFL teams dial up.
We had a Stefon Diggs (photo: New England Patriots) sighting in Foxborough this week. No word, as to whether Diggs took the yacht up to Boston Harbor with his girlfriend Cardi B. While Diggs did not workout in team drills, as he recovers from an ACL injury, he did address the team in regards to the recent videos and photos that surfaced on social media. It hasn’t been a smooth ride early for Diggs but it’s a positive sign that he had the self awareness to report to OTAs and was seen doing rehab exercises. Diggs is being counted on to be WR1 for Drake Maye, who has drawn rave reviews thus far during workouts. Although, there is a chance that the former All Pro wideout could begin the year on the IR.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith is expected to remain with the team, despite agent Drew Rosenhaus requesting a new contract. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly made an inquiry into Smith but the Dolphins rebuffed. However, this is one situation worth monitoring between now and training camp should the contract become a larger issue. When asked about Smith during his presser, Miami head coach Mike McDaniels simply replied, “he’s around.”
In other Steelers news, free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis is expected to meet with the team on Thursday. Pittsburgh signed DK Metcalf and Robert Woods this offseason, while dealing off George Pickens (Cowboys), as they revamped their wideout corps. A former fourth round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Davis has over $30M of career earnings but is coming off a career-worst season, with just 239 receiving yards. This could be a low risk, high reward, veteran bargain bin signing for Pittsburgh, should they be able to agree to terms. For his career, Davis has nearly 3,000 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns.
Each offseason, we see a handful of NFL players hang up the cleats. On Monday, it was reported that Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow was retiring at the age of 29 and Houston Texans cornerback Ronald Darby retired at the age of 31. For Ragnow, who earned NFL All Pro the past three consecutive seasons, the timing leaves the Lions in somewhat of a bind to find a replacement. Rookie Tate Ratledge has been seen taking center reps during OTAs for Detroit. As for Darby, he was still playing at a high level, starting 12 games a year ago for the Jaguars, before signing with the Texans this offseason. It’s just the latest remainder of how tough sustaining in the NFL is, a league where the average career lasts just 3.3 years.
CFL PRESEASON NOTEBOOK
The countdown to the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg is officially on! Last season, we had a front row seat to the action, as a member of the Edmonton Elks front office. This season, we will be delivering weekly coverage of the latest CFL news. While the Toronto Argonauts are predicted to repeat as champions, the official All Access Football preseason prediction is the Montreal Alouettes to capture their ninth Grey Cup in franchise history, which would also be their second since 2023. Below, we have tracked some of the latest roster moves that involve notable American players who could have an impact in 2025. Buckle up and enjoy the action!
BC LIONS
A few interesting names surfaced during BC training camp, including former 2018 second round pick Kemoko Turay (Colts). The Rutgers product made the Lions final roster and could be an X-factor on defense.
Meanwhile, running back Deshaun Fenwick made a spark during the preseason, gaining 36 yards on eight carries in the preseason finale. The former Oregon State runner was cut earlier in training camp by Calgary but his performance was worthy enough to earn a spot on the Lions practice roster.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
No one has turned over their roster more than the Stampeders this offseason. New American players include well-traveled quarterback PJ Walker and former Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin, who was a seventh round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
On defense, Marloshawn Franklin Jr. is a name worth noting. An aggressive, ball-hawk safety, Franklin will begin on the practice squad for Calgary but could be called on during the backend of the season to play some critical snaps. He possesses a high energy, contagious work ethic and has continued to improve.
EDMONTON ELKS
First year Elks will include former Ohio State standout and three-year NFL veteran Binjimen Victor, who made the final roster, along with former Georgia wideout Kearis Jackson. Edmonton will rely on a bevy of receivers to replace the production of CFL All-Star Geno Lewis, who signed with Ottawa during the offseason.
Linebacker Nick Anderson had 10 tackles in the preseason finale. A glimpse of what’s in store for the top linebacker duo in the CFL. Last season, Anderson (116 tackles) and teammate Nyles Morgan (112 tackles) finished first and second in the league in total tackles. Standing in at 5-foot-9 and a half, NFL teams have been reluctant to give Anderson a look-see but we implore evaluators to examine the fiery backer who could certainly provide a spark on special teams and add depth on defense.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Despite a valiant effort, which included seven tackles during the final preseason game, linebacker Qwuantrezz Knight failed to make the final round of cuts. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him latch on with another organization, or resurface later in the season. Other notable cuts included former Raiders 2020 third round draft pick Lynn Bowden Jr.
The defense should be improved with additions such as Zamari Walton. With 51 starts at Ole Miss and Georgia Tech, Walton brings great length, pedigree and upside. Another interesting player worth keeping an eye on is former Georgia State safety Quavian White, who will play strong side backer for the Ti-Cats. Standing in at just 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, White set an all-time school record with 11 career interceptions!
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Former New York Jets fourth round selection James Morgan has made the final Montreal roster. The FAU product completed 12-of-19 passes for 126 yards, plus one touchdown in the preseason finale and has the tools to develop into a potential CFL starter down the road. (photo: Mosaic Stadium in Montreal)
The competition in Alouettes camp was fierce, as wideout Walter Fletcher was cut, along with defensive lineman Willington Previlon, who played a key role during the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl run. Added to the practice roster were former North Carolina offensive lineman Ed Montilus, along with linebacker Nebraska/Georgia MJ Sherman, who caught our attention at the Trillion Tropical Bowl in January.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Former Wyoming all-purpose performer Ayir Asante has been added to the Ottawa practice roster. He certainly made his presence felt during the preseason, displaying his ability to be a threat as a receiver but also as a return man. This could be an excellent long-term addition to the offense.
Meanwhile, despite flashes of big-play potential, former Pittsburgh Steelers runner Jaylen Samuels did not survive the final cuts. Nor did Stony Brook defensive back Gavin Heslp, who has now suited up for the NFL, XFL, UFL and CFL.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Despite a front office mass exodus that followed new Hamilton GM Ted Goveia out the door, the Blue Bombers kept doing what they usually do, reload. There are several players on a stacked practice roster that could see game action, including former Liberty running back Quinton Cooley, Monmouth product Reggie White, who had 1,245 receiving yards in 32 games with the Alouettes and former Purdue defensive back Cam Allen, last seen with the Denver Broncos.
Some quality defensive backs were unable to crack the roster, including former Arizona Cardinals sixth round pick Tay Gowan of UCF and Latavious Brini, who was last with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Former Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan made the Roughriders final roster after a strong preseason showing. He will backup Jake Maeir and Trevor Harris. As of press time, Saskatchewan had four quarterbacks on the active roster, including short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens.
Former Memphis running back Mario Anderson was added to the Saskatchewan practice squad and could become a factor, if an injury were ever to occur to starter AJ Ouellette. On defense, former Maryland defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. was a notable player added to the practice roster.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
There were plenty of surprises for the reining Grey Cup Champions. Toronto made some tough decisions, parting ways with quarterback Cameron Dukes and running back Ka’Deem Carey.
However, the offense received an influx of new talent, including former NFL offensive linemen Sage Doxtater, who made the Argonauts active roster and Anim Dankwah, who was added to practice squad. In addition, offense weapon Calvin Turner was also added to the practice roster, as the Hawaii product can play either wideout, or running back.
NFL DRAFT PICK-BY-PICK ANALYSIS || ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL CONSULTING
ALL-UFL TEAM
The United Football League has completed their second regular season and all indications are that the spring league will return for 2026. Below is the AAF 2025 All-UFL Team. We will be sure to monitor the UFL-to-NFL player signings during the summer months. It is great to see that professional spring leagues have sustained for the past six consecutive years, including the former XFL and USFL, before the UFL-merger. Here are the top standouts based on the observations of our scouting staff.
OFFENSE
The Official UFL Team was announced on Monday and featured 13 positional players on offense. Players who made the league-selected All-UFL team but not the AAF one on offense includes running backs Jashaun Corbin of San Antonio and Jacob Saylors of St. Louis, Michigan tight end Gunnar Oakes, and tackle Ryan Nelson, along with St. Louis center Mike Panasiuk.
QB Bryce Perkins, Michigan (photo: UFL)
RB Toa Taua, Michigan
WR Deon Cain, Birmingham
WR Tyler Vaughns, Arlington
WR Chris Rowland, DC
TE Sal Cannella, Arlington
OL Yasir Durant, DC
OL Steven Gonzalez, St. Louis
OL Alec Lindstrom, Memphis
OL Cohl Cabral, Michigan
OL Kellen Deisch, Arlington
PK Rodrigo Blankenship, St. Louis
DEFENSE
The league-selected All-UFL team on defense included 12 players. Those who made the league cut but not the AAF edition were DC defensive linemen Derick Roberson and Joe Wallace, plus linebacker Anthony Hines. In addition to St. Louis linebacker Willie Harvey and Michigan safety Arnold Tarpley.
(Editor’s Note: The UFL did not respond to our inquiry as to why 25 positional players were chosen for the All-UFL team).
DL Chris Odom, Arlington
DL Pita Taumoepenu, St. Louis
DL Andrew Mintze, DC
DL Perrion Winfrey, Birmingham
LB Tavante Beckett, San Antonio
LB Steele Chambers, Memphis
LB Willie Taylor III, Arlington
CB Ajene Harris, Arlington
CB Deandre Baker, DC
S Leon O’Neal, Houston
S Kedrick Whitehead Jr. Michigan
P Brad Wing, San Antonio
The CFL regular season kicks off on Thursday, June 5th, as the Ottawa Redblacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders at 9:00p ET. You can watch all CFL games (free) on CFL+.
This Sunday, June 8th, the UFL will host Conference Final playoff action, as the Michigan Panthers visit the Birmingham Stallions (ABC) at 3:00p ET and the DC Defenders visit the St. Louis Battlehawks (FOX) in the XFL at 6:00p ET.
If you would like to view the European League of Football (ELF), or Indoor Football League (IFL), you must subscribe to their network affiliates. The IFL Network is $30/year and the ELF Game Pass is $120/year but does offer weekly/monthly options.
NFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM
Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills
Washington Commanders
Los Angeles Chargers
Detroit Lions
Denver Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals
NFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Josh Allen, Bills
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Matthew Stafford, Rams
Jayden Daniels, Commanders
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
UFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
St. Louis Battlehawks (8-2)
Birmingham Stallions (7-3)
Michigan Panthers (6-4)
DC Defenders (6-4)
Arlington Renegades (5-5)
Houston Roughnecks (5-5)
Memphis Showboats (2-8)
San Antonio Brahmas (1-9)
UFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Luis Perez, Arlington
Bryce Perkins, Michigan
J’Mar Smith, Birmingham
Jordan Ta’amu, DC
Jalan McClendon, Houston
Max Duggan, St. Louis
Dresser Winn, Memphis
Danny Etling, Michigan
Kellen Mond, San Antonio
Alex McGough, Birmingham
CFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Toronto Argonauts (0-0)
Montreal Alouettes (0-0)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-0)
Hamilton Tiger Cats (0-0)
BC Lions (0-0)
Ottawa Redblacks (0-0)
Calgary Stampeders (0-0)
Edmonton Elks (0-0)
Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-0)
Atlantic Schooners (0-0)
CFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Chad Kelly, Toronto
Vernon Adams Jr., Calgary
Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton
Nathan Rourke, BC
Zach Collaros, Winnipeg
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Montreal
Davis Alexander, Montreal
Tre Ford, Edmonton
Cody Fajardo, Edmonton
Dru Brown, Ottawa
ELF POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Vienna Vikings (3-0)
Munich Ravens (2-0)
Nordic Storm (3-0)
Rhein Fire (1-1)
Frankfurt Galaxy (2-1)
Wroclaw Panthers (1-1)
Madrid Bravos (2-1)
Stutgart Surge (2-1)
Berlin Thunder (1-2)
Raiders Tirol (2-1)
ELF QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Jakeb Sullivan, Berlin
Reid Sinnett, Madrid
Jadrian Clark, Nordic
Ben Holmes, Vienna
Matthew McKay, Frankfurt
Reilly Hennessey, Stuttgart
Isaiah Weed, Helvetic
Chad Jefferies, Rhein
Conor Miller, Raiders
Javarian Smith, Prague
IFL POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Quad City Steamwheelers (7-2)
Tulsa Oilers (6-3)
Bay Area Panthers (6-2)
Arizona Rattlers (7-2)
Green Bay Blizzard (6-3)
Vegas Knight Hawks (5-4)
Jacksonville Sharks (6-3)
San Diego Strike Force (5-4)
Massachusetts Pirates (3-5)
San Antonio Gunslingers (3-6)
IFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
TJ Edwards, Tulsa
Max Meylor, Green Bay
James Cahoon, Iowa
Dalton Sneed, Arizona
Josh Jones, Bay Area
Kaleb Barker, Jacksonville
Jorge Reyna, Tuscan
Daquan Neal, Quad City
Nate Davis, San Diego
Kenji Bahar, Massachusetts
AF1 POWER RANKINGS
RANK || TEAM || RECORD
Albany Firebirds (9-0)
SW Kansas Storm (7-3)
Nashville Kats (5-3)
Billings Outlaws (4-6)
Oregon Lightning (4-6)
Corpus Christi Tritons (3-5)
Salina Liberty (4-5)
Washington Wolfpack (2-9)
AF1 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
RANK || PLAYER || TEAM
Sam Castranova, Albany
Jalen Morten, SW Kansas
Malik Henry, Billings
Rakeem Cato, Salina
Fred Payton, Corpus Christi
Dalton Cole, Oregon
Tyler Kulka, Nashville
Adam Kruse, Washington
Robert McCoy, Albany
Jarius Grissom, SW Kansas