Deon Cain, a former Buffalo Bills wide receiver, is making waves in the United Football League (UFL), proving he’s outgrown the spring league and is ready for another shot in the NFL. Featured on Bleacher Report’s list of five UFL players deserving of an NFL return, Cain’s electrifying performances with the Birmingham Stallions have reignited interest in his potential at the professional level.
Cain’s journey with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 was brief but eventful. Initially signed on August 13, 2024, he was released two weeks later during final roster cuts on August 27. After a short stint on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, Cain returned to Buffalo from October 31 to December 3, only to be let go again to accommodate the return of safety Micah Hyde to the practice squad. Despite these setbacks, Cain’s resilience and talent have shone through in the UFL, where he has established himself as a dominant force.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, Cain showed early promise but struggled to find a consistent role across six NFL stops, including stints with the Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers. In Indianapolis, he recorded four receptions for 52 yards, followed by five catches for 72 yards over two seasons in Pittsburgh. As Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski noted, “Deon Cain looked like he had a bright future… But it never came together at any of his six NFL stops.” However, Cain’s recent UFL performances suggest he’s ready to rewrite his NFL story.
Over three seasons with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL and UFL, Cain has been a standout, amassing 78 receptions for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the 2024 UFL season, he led the league in receiving yards per game (57.1) and yards per catch (17.7), earning praise as “the UFL’s top vertical presence.” His contributions helped the Stallions secure the USFL championship in 2023 and the UFL championship in 2024, with Cain earning MVP honors in the 2023 championship game. His stellar 2024 season also earned him a spot on the 2025 All-UFL Team, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers.
Cain’s success in the UFL highlights his ability to dominate against high-level competition, but the spring league is no longer enough to contain his talent. Sobleski’s Bleacher Report list, which also featured quarterbacks Bryce Perkins and Jordan Ta’amu, offensive tackle Yasir Durant, and linebacker Tavante Beckett, underscores the potential for UFL stars to make an impact in the NFL. For Cain, it’s about finding the right opportunity—an elusive piece of the puzzle that has yet to fall into place.
At 29, Cain is still in his athletic prime, with the speed, route-running ability, and big-play potential to thrive in an NFL offense. His UFL stats demonstrate his capacity to stretch the field and create mismatches, qualities that could make him a valuable asset for teams seeking depth at wide receiver. As Sobleski aptly put it, “Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Cain simply hasn’t found that particular opportunity quite yet.”
The Buffalo Bills, who gave Cain two chances in 2024, may not have room for him in their crowded receiver room, but other NFL teams should take notice. Cain’s UFL dominance, championship pedigree, and unrelenting drive make a compelling case for a second chance. Whether it’s a practice squad role, a training camp invite, or a spot on an active roster, Cain has earned the opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL. The UFL has been a stage for his resurgence, but the NFL is where he’s destined to shine.