Adrian Martinez is making a big bet on himself this offseason. The former Detroit Lions quarterback, who found success in the UFL after going undrafted in 2023, is taking another shot at the NFL. Instead of returning to the UFL, where he won league MVP and led the Birmingham Stallions to a championship, Martinez has signed a futures contract with the New York Jets. He’ll now compete for a backup quarterback role in a revamped QB room.
Martinez originally joined the Lions as an undrafted rookie out of Nebraska and Kansas State. Though he showed promise in training camp, particularly with his dual-threat ability, he didn’t make the final roster. After being released, he landed in the UFL, where he thrived under head coach Skip Holtz. Martinez put up big numbers and helped the Stallions dominate their way to a title, earning MVP honors in both the regular season and championship game. His strong performance made him a prime candidate for another NFL opportunity.
Now, he’s taking a risk by opting for a shot at the NFL rather than guaranteed playing time in the UFL. The Jets have reshaped their quarterback room after releasing Aaron Rodgers, bringing in Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Martinez will compete for a backup spot or a practice squad role, hoping to prove that his UFL success can translate to the NFL.
