NEWS: Louis Rees-Zammit and his team are meticulously ‘figuring out’ his next steps as details about his NFL pursuits grow hazy.
The former rugby star’s contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars has expired and the Welshman is currently a free agent.
Rees-Zammit had inked a deal with the Jaguars last August, joining their practice squad as a running back following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Initially, a three-year contract was secured with the Chiefs after he turned heads in the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme following his surprising departure from rugby.
However, the Chiefs let him go after failing to make the 53-man roster.
After clocking in three pre-season games for the Chiefs, the 23-year-old was eager to vie for an NFL spot with the Jaguars, buoyed by coach Doug Pedersen’s assurance that his “opportunity will come” after being wowed by his athletic prowess.
However, the season didn’t unfold as hoped, as Rees-Zammit had no game time.
To add to the disappointment, the Jaguars missed out on the play-offs, ending second to last in the AFC South, and Pedersen, who had offered the Welshman a fresh NFL opportunity, was sacked after their poor season.
Rees-Zammit now finds himself a free agent. Despite the Jaguars securing seven players on what are known as reserve/futures contracts, he currently isn’t among them.
Futures contracts are a critical step for practice squad players or free agents as the regular season wraps up, allowing them to attach themselves exclusively to an NFL franchise before next season.
There is no cap on the number signed, provided a team stays within the 90-man roster limit.
Rees-Zammit is hoping to secure one of these coveted contracts with any team.
