Seahawks sign wide receiver Marcus Simms from the Michigan Panthers

The Seattle Seahawks continue to sign talent from the UFL. Michigan Panthers star WR Marcus Simms, who earned All-UFL honors this season, is signing with the Seahawks, a league source told Pro Football Newsroom.

BREAKING NEWS: The Seattle Seahawks plan to sign All-#UFL @USFLPanthers WR Marcus Simms, according to league source.

Simms had a stellar season with the Michigan Panthers this season, rushing for 426 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 18.5 yards per minute, and was an ace on special teams. pic.twitter.com/MqLDNu9SPL

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 16, 2024

Marcus Simms is one of many stories that prove why spring football is so important to the professional scene. Simms joined the Michigan Panthers last season but didn’t play much until the final weeks of play. After getting some important calls, Simms made an immediate impact – on both special teams and as a WR in the postseason game against Pittsburgh.

EJ PERRY. An absolute bomb for Marcus Simms, and the @USFLPanthers Take the lead! What a scene in Canton. #USFLpic.twitter.com/lnj8oBXiaJ

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) 25 June 2023

That year, Simms was signed to the Panthers’ roster in training camp and worked his way up to the role of WR1. In 2024, Simms totaled 426 receiving yards (1st on the team) and three touchdowns in just eight regular season games. He was a deep threat all season, averaging 18.5 yards per pass – more than any other wide receiver in the UFL with 20 or more receptions.

WHY THE HELL DO THEY LET TRYNNA KEEP PLAYING WITH A REAPER 🧙💔🎮 #EINMIC⏰ pic.twitter.com/fEqsxA8Ogx

— MARCUS SIMMS (@chasinbandzz) July 12, 2024

Despite battling injuries late in the year, Marcus Simms was clearly the WR1 for the Michigan Panthers offense – an offense that was quite successful under new OC Marcel Bellefeuille. Although quarterbacks changed from week to week, Marcus remained consistent. Whenever Michigan needed a big play, Simms seemed to be the man to call.

PERRY TO SIMMS FOR A 76 YARD TOUCHDOWN‼️🐾 pic.twitter.com/meKMK5BH7e

See also

— United Football League (@TheUFL) 7 April 2024

This also applies to his play in the special teams, where Marcus repeatedly showed off great kickoff returns.

MARCUS SIMMS! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kBOijE9yWD

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 5, 2024

Final thoughts

Simms is further proof that spring football works. The Seattle Seahawks have already signed UFL players this offseason and just last month signed Birmingham Stallions RB Ricky Person Jr.

Without the national platform the UFL provided Simms, who knows if this opportunity would have been possible. You can stay up to date with all the new signings from the UFL to the NFL with our official tracker.

What do you think about Marcus Simms signing with the Seattle Seahawks? Will the Panthers find the right replacement going forward? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord!