What It’s Like to Be Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent

The NFL Draft just wrapped up. Dreams were made over the course of seven rounds. But what most people don’t realize is that even more players find their shot after the draft — as undrafted free agents.

Each year, 259 players are drafted into the NFL. Historically, about 75–80% of drafted players make a 53-man roster as rookies.

In contrast, roughly 450 to 500 undrafted free agents are signed after the draft, but only ~20% of them stick on an initial 53-man roster. It's a long shot — but it's not impossible.

I lived it.
I wasn’t signed right after the draft. I got a shot a week before training camp ended, was cut, bounced around and finally stuck. Through all of that, I learned something quickly: when you’re an undrafted free agent, you live with a constant, low-grade paranoia that your job could disappear at any moment. Seven and half years later, that feeling never really leaves.

That paranoia can be a blessing and a curse. It can wear on you, but it can also force you to pull the best out of yourself every single day.

The reality is — you’re starting at the bottom. Teams have more incentive to keep their draft picks. It makes GMs and coaches look good when their picks work out. When you’re undrafted, you’re fighting for every single rep. And if you can break through, your life can change.

To do so, there’s no secret formula.
Control what you can control.
Work hard, work smart and get 1% better every day.

Sources:

• Pro Football Network, "How Many Players Are Drafted in the NFL Each Year?" (2024).
• Sportskeeda, "What Percentage of Drafted Players Make an NFL Roster?" (2023).
• Northwestern Rivals Forum, "What Percentage of UDFAs Make an NFL 53-Man Roster?" (2023).

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