Recent Seahawks draft pick signs with UFL team

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 24: D.J. James #29 of the Seattle Seahawks defends in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns at Lumen Field on August 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Browns 37-33. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When the Seattle Seahawks doubled down at the cornerback position in 2024, they went with a pair of Auburn teammates in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. While fifth-round pick Pritchett is vying for more playing time in his third season on the roster, the sixth-round selection James made neither Seattle's initial 53-man roster nor the practice squad.

If you've ever wondered what happened to James after his Seahawks departure, he's now in the United Football League with the Orlando Storm. UFL reporter James Larsen had the scoop earlier this week.

NEWS: The Orlando #Storm are signing DB D.J. James.

DJ spent most of his college career at Oregon, before transferring to Auburn. He was drafted by the #Seahawks in the 6th round (2024).

Most recently, he was with the #Patriots on their PS. Strong pickup for @UFLStorm. #UFLpic.twitter.com/ZrVIfaB7s2

- James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 8, 2026

After James was waived by the Seahawks, he spent his rookie year with the New England Patriots on their practice squad. He signed a reserve/future deal last offseason and made the initial 53-man roster, only to be waived by the Pats after playing seven combined snaps on defense and special teams in Week 1. He did not return to the organization.

Interestingly enough, James was drafted by the Dallas Renegades in January's UFL draft but did not make the roster. He's been a free agent for any football league up until this week. The Storm are currently 4-2 and well positioned for the UFL playoffs in their first season. We've often seen UFL players turn good spring performances into NFL contracts, so this might be James' best path back into the big leagues.