Here’s how D.J. Uiagalelei revived his NFL dream after being left out of the Draft thanks to the Chargers

While several college players waited for their names to be called at the NFL Draft this weekend, only 257 of them were. For the rest, although it may feel discouraging, there is still hope. They can still sign with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent.

In fact, many players who entered the NFL this way have gone on to have extremely successful careers – Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Tony Romo, Antonio Gates, and Wes Welker, to name just a few. After the 2025 NFL Draft, a few players have already signed with teams as undrafted free agents.

D.J. Uiagalelei’s second shot at the NFL

Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is joining Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers. Uiagalelei played for Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State. He’ll be returning to his home state as Uiagalelei is originally from Riverside, California.

Interestingly, in 2023, Uiagalelei was drafted by another team in L.A. – the Dodgers. Although his primary focus was football, Uiagalelei also played baseball in high school, with a fastball clocked in the mid 90s. The Dodgers drafted him in the 20th round, but he did not sign.

Instead, he went on to be the starting quarterback for Oregon State. After one season, he transferred to Florida State. Unfortunately, an injury to his throwing hand kept him out for the majority of the season. Throughout his college career, Uiagalelei had 45 starts, going 31-14 for 9,384 yards and 61 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and a 58.5% completion percentage, and added 1,124 yards and 21 touchdowns on 380 carries.

He declared for the NFL Draft in December 2024, but his injuries prevented him from being viewed as a high prospect. But the Chargers have given him a second chance as he’ll join a quarterback room that includes Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, and Trey Lance.

Other undrafted free agents post 2025 Draft

A few other players have signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents following the 2025 Draft. Colorado safety Shilo Sanders signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His brother, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, stole the story of the draft this year, but Shilo ended up with a home of his own after going undrafted.

Others include Missouri quarterback Brady Cook to the New York Jets, Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo to the Tennessee Titans, and Notre Dame safety Jordan Clark to the New York Jets. Clark is the son of former Steelers safety and ESPN personality Ryan Clark.

Other notable players who went undrafted this year include Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant, and Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin.