Packers can boost roster with UFL talent (including the league's big prize)

The merged spring-football league has produced Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent in the past and could do so again in 2024.

With the opening waves of free agency and the NFL draft well in the rearview mirror, the NFL might seem fairly quiet for the first time in a while. Outside of OTA practice highlights posted to social media and new uniform reveals, not much of consequence seems to happen in the football world in June.

However, even though the on-field action remains limited, NFL front offices remain active behind the scenes. Not only do teams have post-June 1 moves to consider, but the conclusion of the United Football League's regular season offers another window of opportunity to make tweaks to the roster. Though UFL players cannot officially sign an NFL contract until June 17, they can take part in tryouts once the season ends for their UFL employers.

Don't write off these players as mere camp bodies either. The UFL -- the result of a merger between the USFL and XFL -- has previously produced talent that would go on to play major roles in the NFL, including some Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Undoubtedly, more UFL players will find their way onto NFL rosters again in the coming weeks.

The Green Bay Packers have explored this market before. Last year, they signed and retained multiple players off USFL and XFL rosters. One, Alex McGough, spent 2023 on Green Bay's practice squad as the third quarterback and will attempt to make the team again this year as a wide receiver. The other, Daniel Whelan, beat out veteran Pat O'Donnell for the punter job last August and has held the role ever since.

With the tryout window now open, the Packers have already dipped their toe in the UFL waters. According to Pro Football Network's James Larsen, the team scheduled a workout with DC Defenders offensive lineman Liam Fornadel this week. Fornadel earned All-XFL honors a year ago and, according to Pro Football Focus, allowed just one sack and 13 total pressures over 407 pass-block snaps this season. The New England Patriots have also taken an interest in Fornadel.

But while a capable pass-blocking lineman holds plenty of appeal, the Packers could uncover even bigger gems from UFL rosters. The list of potential candidates includes players from all three phases, including the league's biggest prize.