Football Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Will be updated as new signings happen

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 12, 2022; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Johnathan Bennett (11) tackled by Connecticut Huskies defensive lineman Pryce Yates (90) and defensive lineman Eric Watts (95) in the first quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. 

Eric Watts signed with the Jets after not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is reportedly earning $245K in guaranteed money.

Watts had a breakout 2022 season, leading the team with 10 TFLs, and 7 sacks, to go along with 47 tackles. In 2023, he had 34 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6.5 TFLs, surely being the focus of opposing OLs. He earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, and NFL Combine, where he graded out as an average backup/special teamer, according to NFL.com. He showed his athleticsim, with a 4.67 40 yard dash, 9’ 9” broad jump, 36.5” vertical, and 21 reps on the bench. 

Scouts believe he has the protypical size for a DE at 6’6” 275, he has the ability to use length to cause strip sacks, he has the the range to spoil rush attempts by crashing the backside, and plays with a nastiness and meanness that’s required in the NFL. Concerns are hip tightness, a high center of gravity that limits contact balance at the point of attack, and he needs to play with better command in challenging run blocks. 

Watts had his highest grade in 2023 on PFF, the 160^th highest grade among all EDGE defenders, with his strength in run defense. 

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 12, 2022; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Jackson Mitchell (8) recovers the fumble and runs for a touchdown against the Liberty Flames in the first quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. 

Jackson Mitchell signs with the Carolina Panthers.

Mitchell, a Ridgefield, CT native nicknamed “Mr. Connecticut,” had 432 career tackles, good for 29^th on the all-time NCAA list, and 3^rd in UConn history behind Lawrence Wilson (07-10), and John Dorsey (80-83). He found his way on the field as a freshman in 2019, and led the nation among true freshmen with 6.5 tackles per game. In 2021, he led the team with 120 tackles, and he upped that total to 140 in 2022, where he was a Butkus Award semifinalist. He had 113 tackles in 2023 with 7 TFLs. According to PFF, he regressed a bit 2023, perhaps struggling with the loss of fellow LBs Brandon Bouyer-Randle, and Ian Swenson. He especially struggled in coverage, ranking 544^th out of 631 LBs nationally. However, he’s always had a great work ethic, and has been very productive at the college level. He participated in the Hula Bowl all-star game. 

Storrs Central

UConn wide receiver Geordon Porter (3) is taken down by Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (0) during the NCAA college football game between Connecticut and Tennessee on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Geordon Porter receives an invite to minicamp with both the Jets and Giants. 

Porter, who went through the draft process as both a DB and WR, played one season in Storrs after spending four seasons with Arizona State, and one with New Mexico. At UConn, he played WR only, and caught 22 passes for 213 yards and a TD. He also had a rush for 34 yards against Utah State. He has tons of athleticsim, running (unofficially) a 40 yard dash in the 4.3s. It remains to be seen what position either team will utilize him at, but his athleticism gives him a chance at either.