Not every NFL journey ends with a long, successful career. Some players fight their way through training camps, bounce around practice squads, and eventually find themselves looking for any opportunity to keep playing. That’s exactly where former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Isaiah Washington is now.
According to James Larsen of Pro Football Newsroom, Washington has signed with the UFL’s Memphis Showboats. The former Rutgers receiver played in all three preseason games for Baltimore in 2024, but with just one catch for six yards, he never gained enough traction to stick around. The Ravens waived him on Sept. 5, opting to go in a different direction as they finalized their roster for the regular season.
The Memphis Showboats have signed WR Isaiah Washington, per the wire.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 13, 2025
Washington played his college football at Rutgers, with 932 yards & 3 TD's to his name. Had a stint with the #Ravens this past preseason. #UFL
Now, Washington is heading to spring football, hoping to prove he belongs at the pro level. The UFL isn’t the NFL, but for players looking to stay relevant and earn another shot, it’s quickly becoming a solid proving ground.
Former Ravens WR Isaiah Washington is heading to the UFL
Washington isn’t walking into a guaranteed role with the Showboats. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he fits the mold of what Memphis likes in its receivers, but he’ll be competing in a crowded position room. With guys like Kwamie Lassiter II and Sam Pinckney already in the mix, Washington will need to show more than he did in Baltimore to make the final roster.
His college career at Rutgers didn’t exactly scream “future NFL star,” either. Washington flashed potential early but never put up huge numbers. Across five seasons, he finished with 74 catches for 927 yards and three touchdowns. That’s not the kind of production that makes scouts turn their heads, but his size and athleticism have given him just enough of an edge to keep getting opportunities.
The UFL is built for guys like Washington—players who weren’t quite good enough to stick in the NFL but have enough raw ability to keep the dream alive. If he makes the most of his time in Memphis, maybe another NFL team will come calling.
For now, though, he’s just trying to make a name for himself in a league where nothing is guaranteed.