Utah NFL Faces In New Places

Free agency is upon the NFL and in the madness are many players of local origins, athletes who spent their collegiate careers right here in the beehive state.

Whether they be signing new deals, finding new homes or just changing jersey numbers the winds of change affect all this time of year.

Up to this point, two BYU alum, 1 Utah alum and 1 Utah State alum have all been greeted with new deals or circumstances.

Starting with the non movers, former Utah State linebacker and 13 year NFL veteran, Bobby Wagner, has decided to stay put in Washington DC after being a crucial part of the defense on a team that made the NFC championship game.

One of the most efficient tacklers in the league, Wagner finished last season with 132 tackles (75 solo), 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.

The Commanders return their leading tackler and hope to get Bobby his 11^th Pro Bowl and 3^rd Super Bowl appearance.

As far as new deals go, three former Utah college athletes have found new places to utilize their services.

Former 2^nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Zach Wilson, and previous BYU signal caller has inked a one year deal out in Florida to suit up for the Miami Dolphins.

The 25 year old gunslinger has not been given a chance to lead an NFL team since ending a rough situation in New York and will be waiting anxiously for a chance at redemption after spending last year watching and learning on Denver’s sidelines.

Dolphins starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has only played an entire season once in his 5 year career and is coming off a season where he was only able to make 11 appearances.

If the longevity struggles continue for Tua In Miami, Wilson could get a crack once or twice at catching some folks eyes on his short term deal.

Fellow Cougar, Khyiris Tonga, also transferred his talents, going from Arizona to New England where new head coach Mike Vrabel is stockpiling on the defensive side of the ball.

Tonga joins Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Carlton Davis and Robert Spillane as new additions to the Patriots defensive unit providing a solid depth piece in Foxborough.

Tonga has 53 games under his belt with 7 starts for 89 total tackles at that defensive tackle spot.

The University of Utah also witnessed a former star change direction when Cody Barton, the standout linebacker for Denver last year, signed a nice deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Three years for 21 million means Cody is expected to play a large role with a Tennessee team searching for an identity.

Barton can certainly help form a new style of competitive football out in Nashville as someone who experienced it first hand with a resurgent Denver team last year.

Barton was 2^nd on that Broncos team in total tackles (106) adding in 1.5 sacks, 5 defended passes and two interceptions next to a forced fumble.

He was one of two Broncos with a fumble recovered for a touchdown.

Titans fans are beyond excited for the versatility that Barton brings to the table as a ball hunter and a pass coverage specialist at the position.

Lastly, one former BYU player was affected by free agency in a unique way without being a free agent.

LA Rams star receiver, Puka Nacau, welcomed in new pass catching pal, Davante Adams, and in doing so is giving up his #17 jersey for Adams to don.

Nacua will switch to #12, the jersey number he wore at BYU.

That’s all the local talent so far to be impacted by the 2025 free agency period In the NFL but you best believe more news is on the way.

The only constant thing is change, and we are very excited to see those who rep the colleges we love search for success in their new (or old) homes.