Several former Arizona Wildcats are chasing NFL spots this preseason, with a mix of secure roles and battles still in flux as teams approach final roster decisions.
Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
McMillan opened his Panthers tenure with a 43-yard two-catch performance, but his second game was quieter with no receptions on Saturday against the Texans. He did have two targets in the first quarter before leaving the field, and he’s expected to see more action in Carolina’s final tune-up against the Steelers.
Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens
Loop reinforced his case as the Ravens’ kicker, converting five of six attempts in the latest preseason outing (53, 52, 42, 36 and 29 yards) and missing from 50. He also drew a large crowd of family and friends in attendance. Ravens coach John Harbaugh publicly named Loop the starting kicker following the game, signaling a potential secure role as the regular-season opener nears.
Jordan Morgan, Green Bay Packers
Morgan has made a strong case in Green Bay’s left-tackle competition. Through two games, he’s logged 61 preseason snaps with zero pressures, sacks, hits or penalties allowed. His main challenger, Rasheed Walker, has yet to appear in the preseason due to a groin injury. Morgan is trying to translate his solid camp into a secure spot after an injury-plagued rookie year.
Michael Wiley, Kansas City Chiefs
Wiley, who joined the Chiefs last week, did not appear in the second preseason game but could get some reps in the finale against Chicago. If all goes as planned, his best route to the roster could be starting on the practice squad, with a potential future upside.
Gary Brightwell, Cincinnati Bengals
Brightwell’s pursuit of a roster spot continued with three carries for nine yards in the Bengals’ opener against the Eagles. He’s aiming to revive his NFL career after spending time with the Browns last season without recording stats. Cincinnati will have its second preseason game against the Commanders looming.
Nick Folk, New York Jets
Folk appears positioned to be the Jets’ starting kicker this season, potentially wrapping up an 18th NFL campaign. He connected on two field goals in New York’s second preseason game against the Giants after sitting out the opener. Folk remains the favorite in a competition that includes Harrison Bevis, but early signs point to Folk holding the job.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Croskey-Merritt has been turning heads in Washington’s training camp, consistently performing well in practice and carrying that momentum into the Commanders’ first preseason game, where he ran for 24 yards.
What this means for roster decisions
With two weeks of preseason in the books and a final tune-up still on tap, teams are weighing versatility, special-teams value and durability alongside production. Several Wildcats are in strong positions, particularly Loop as the Ravens’ kicker and Morgan in the Packers’ left-tackle mix. Others have work to do to secure spots, especially those hoping to land on practice squads or survive as depth options at running back or receiver. As rosters tighten, a few standout performances could tip the scales in what promises to be a pivotal period for these former Wildcats.
Overall, there’s a hopeful sense of progress and persistence across the group, reflecting the continued impact Wildcats talent is having across the NFL. The next round of preseason games will be telling as teams finalize their 53-man rosters.