The Denver Broncos have signed UFL star Hakeem Butler in his latest attempt to make an NFL roster.
The Denver Broncos edit a new receiver, and he's coming into camp with some unusual credentials. Hakeem Butler just won the offensive player of the year award while playing with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL this spring, according to a report from Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, and this will be his latest shot at making an NFL roster.
Butler had 29 catches for 641 yards and three touchdowns during the 2026 season, and he spent the last three seasons playing for St. Louis. Alper’s report referenced Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, who said the Broncos are signing Butler ahead of mandatory minicamp this week.
Butler's NFL history isn't quite a stellar. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and he spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. He then played in two games for the Eagles in 2020, according to Alper, and he’s spent time with the Panthers, Steelers and Bengals over the course of his career.
He’ll have an uphill battle to make the Broncos roster as a receiver. Denver added receiver Jaylen Waddle in a big trade, and this is now a crowded room with plenty of players who aren't going to be able to post the stats they want. Butler will almost certainly be a depth piece if he manages to make the roster.
He will also be trying to impress a new offensive coordinator as Davis Webb tries to put the parts and pieces together for this year's version of Denver's offense. The unit was inconsistent last year, and the Broncos definitely have a need for playmakers if Butler can step up and show that kind of ability.
The only receiver who spoken out about the Waddle trade so far is Marvin Mims Jr. He could be the odd man out in this situation, and Mims has talked about his uncertainty about what role he'll play going into the season. He's also talked about being open to a contract extension, but that's unlikely to happen.
This particular version of mandatory minicamp promises to be especially interesting for the Broncos. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested for the second time late last week, and he now faces a felony charge related to a recent domestic violence incident.
Expect a media swarm as the Broncos take the field, and they'll be looking for answers. It's going to be fascinating to see how coach Sean Payton handles this situation, and who he makes available during the week.
