The United Football League is entering its final week of the regular season, and a former Philadelphia Eagles player has captured everyone's attention.
Birmingham Stallions wide receiver Deon Cain has been tearing it up this season in the UFL, as he is among the best receivers in the league. Cain is third in receiving yards (491), third in yards per reception (18.2), and second in touchdown catches (six).
He has become a staple in spring football since 2023, as he has won two league championships with the Stallions, helping out on offense and special teams. Cain led the USFL in kickoff returns for touchdowns with two in 2023. He was also the Stallions' leading receiver in 2024 when the team joined the UFL as part of the XFL-USFL merger, as Cain had 33 receptions for 436 yards and three touchdowns.
Before showing off his skills in the UFL, Cain spent time with the Eagles on two different occasions.
Cain's tenure with the Eagles help set up his success in the UFL
After being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Cain bounced around in the NFL, as he has played for six teams. He played in 15 regular season games between 2019 and 2020 for the Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, catching nine receptions for 124 yards.
His first go-around with the Eagles would be in 2021, as he was signed to the practice squad and stayed through part of the 2022 season before being released in October of that year. During the 2022 preseason, Cain had 106 receiving yards.
He would play in the USFL with the Stallions in 2023, and his stellar performance landed him back on the Eagles' roster for training camp and preseason. Cain would have 62 receiving yards and 34 kickoff return yards before getting cut as part of final roster cut downs.
Last year, after the 2024 UFL season, Cain played for the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills. He never appeared in a regular season game as he was on each team's practice squad.
Where Cain has separated himself from the rest of the receivers in the UFL has been his deep threat potential, as a good portion of his touchdown catches have been long pass plays. His speed has made it tough for cornerbacks to cover him in the league.
The Eagles should consider bringing back Cain, as he is starting to hit the prime of his career. Another deep threat receiver to challenge Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Ainias Smith wouldn't hurt to at least look into.
