After workouts with the Jets and Seahawks this week, QB Adrian Martinez has signed with the New York Jets. Martinez led the Birmingham Stallions to their third straight Championship victory this season, in his first campaign with the team.
We’ve signed QB Adrian Martinez and CB Kendall Sheffield.
We’ve released CB Nehemiah Shelton and QB Ben Bryant.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 27, 2024
To many, this news is not a surprise at all. Adrian Martinez was the UFL’s MVP in their inaugural season, leading the Stallions to a 9-1 record in 2024 – and another Championship title.
To begin the UFL season, Martinez split time with Matt Corral. After the first few weeks, HC Skip Holtz ultimately decided to stick Adrian into the starting role full-time, and he excelled. His dual threat capabilities made it nearly impossible for any team to slow down Birmingham’s offense, at least until the end of the year.
Adrian Martinez is UNREAL.
He’s got over 300 yards and 3 TD’s and we’re still in the third quarter.
Drops a 79 yard dime to Kevin Austin for another score. @USFLStallions rolling. #UFL pic.twitter.com/BuKoaW3oTh
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 4, 2024
Martinez burst onto the scene in week three, specifically, when he was given the chance to start. He lit up the stat sheets against Memphis, totaling almost 400 yards of offense, ripping through the Showboats defense on every single drive.
Adrian ended up finishing the UFL’s season with 1,741 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, throwing just three interceptions. Martinez also led the UFL in rushing, with 528 yards. He averaged 9.8 YPC, and scored three rushing touchdowns.
Adrian Martinez pulled a disappearing act on this scramble 🔥🤯@USFLStallions pic.twitter.com/V59WnBp56e
— United Football League (@TheUFL) April 14, 2024
While he was benched in the USFL Conference title game, Adrian came back the next week in the UFL Championship – and played quite well in the win. Birmingham shut out the Brahmas 25-0, and Adrian Martinez was handed the Championship MVP Trophy by Tom Brady himself.
The 🐐 @TomBrady presents Adrian Martinez the UFL Championship MVP Trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fU4g7MLhIu
See also
— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 17, 2024
It’s not surprising to see Martinez sign an NFL contract. He was with the Detroit Lions during the 2023 preseason, so this isn’t his first Training Camp rodeo. With the improved decision making we saw from Adrian in the UFL – specifically working with Coach Holtz – he now will have a chance to prove himself to the New York Jets. The Jets have openings at the position, especially if they’re looking for someone to develop behind Aaron Rodgers.
Final Thoughts
The Jets were doing their due diligence in working out UFL quarterbacks. They also worked out Michigan Panthers QB E.J. Perry this week, ultimately deciding to sign Martinez.
On another note, it’ll be interesting to see how this affects the Birmingham Stallions QB room heading into 2025. If Martinez sticks with the Jets, they’ll be without their MVP from this past season. That said, 2023 USFL MVP Alex McGough will be on the market once he clears waivers with the Packers – something to watch.
the legacy continues 🐎@MartinezTheQB IS YOUR 2024 UFL MVP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Jef60W40E0
— B2B2B CHAMPION STALLIONS 🏆🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) June 10, 2024
Without the national platform that the UFL provided Adrian with, who knows if this opportunity would have been possible. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Adrian Martinez signing with the New York Jets? What will Birmingham do at the QB position in 2025? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
