Another Michigan Panthers player is headed to the NFL. LB R.J. Moten is signing with the New England Patriots, a league source tells Pro Football Newsroom.
BREAKING: The New England #Patriots are signing @USFLPanthers LB R.J. Moten, per league source.
R.J. was a late season addition in Michigan, playing in one game. He was already re-signed for the 2026 #UFL season.
NE picks up a young, promising prospect at LB. pic.twitter.com/3Dtif1ECdJ
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 28, 2025
Moten is a rather intriguing signing to come out of Michigan’s camp. He played in only one game, notching one tackle on 17 defensive snaps. The reason for the low numbers: Moten was a late season addition.
BREAKING: The Michigan Panthers have signed LB R.J. Moten, per source.
Moten is a part of the 2025 NFL Draft class, fresh off his college career at Michigan & Florida. Young prospect with plenty of upside. @USFLPanthers add depth with Frank Ginda heading to IR. #UFL pic.twitter.com/l2sLy4YIWX
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 14, 2025
In fact, R.J. was cut after week 10 – opening up room for Andrew Parker. R.J. is a piece that did impress coaches in Michigan, though. It was a numbers game when he was released, as it was always Michigan’s intention to bring him back in the offseason. Moten did re-sign earlier this summer; but now has his contract terminated to sign with the Patriots. R.J. attended New England’s rookie mini-camp back in May.
R.J. Moten is a young, promising prospect at linebacker. Moten began his college career at Michigan, with 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions to his name across three seasons. R.J. saw some growth over that time period, making a name for himself as a Wolverine.
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He then decided to transfer to Florida, finishing his career with the Gators. Across two years, Moten totaled 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks. He was primarily a rotational/backup piece with Florida, but did see some quality minutes during his final season. R.J. saw snaps at both safety and linebacker during his collegiate career, making him into a versatile camp piece to watch in New England.
Moten is the fourth Panthers player to sign an NFL contract this offseason. Earlier today, CB Keni-H Lovely signed with the Cardinals. You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on R.J. Moten signing with the Patriots? Which Michigan Panthers player should be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
