The Michigan Panthers signed quarterback Rocky Lombardi and linebacker Donavan Mutin on Monday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Rocky Lombardi is six foot four and weighs 225 pounds. The 26-year-old from Clive, Iowa, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, Lombardi completed 4 of 8 passes (50%) for 33 yards, and five carries for one yard in three preseason games. The Bengals released Lombardi on August 23, 2024. The Michigan Panthers drafted Lombardi in the fifth round (38th pick) of the 2024 UFL College Draft.
Collegiately, Lombardi played three seasons at Michigan State (2018-20) completing 159 of 332 passes (48%) for 1,902 yards, 14 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 74 carries for 166 yards and punted the ball one time for 32 yards in 22 games for the Spartans.
Then, he transferred to Northern Illinois (2021-23) completing 439 of 745 passes (59%) for 5,516 yards, 31 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 172 carries for 603 yards, 17 touchdowns, punting the ball four times for 176 yards with a long of 50 yards, two from inside the 20-yard line, and one from 50-plus yards in 30 games for the Huskies.
Donavan Mutin is six foot and weighs 227 pounds. The 24-year-old from Spring, Texas, signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023. In 2023, Mutin played three preseason games making four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist). The Colts released him on August 31, 2023.
The Atlanta Falcons signed Mutin on October 25, 2023. He spent part of the season on their practice squad. In 2024, he played three preseason games making 28 tackles (22 solos, 6 assists). The Falcons released him on August 25, 2024.
Collegiately, Mutin played five seasons at Houston (2018-22) making 252 tackles (142 solos, 110 assists), 19 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception for 38 yards, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 50 games for the Cougars. He was named Second Team All-AAC in 2021.
