Canal Street Chronicles
On Friday, January 9, quarterback Hunter Dekkers was selected by the United Football League’s Houston Gamblers during the first phase of the association’s multi-stage draft. Less than one year ago, Dekkers found himself going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, but will now have an opportunity for a fresh start with a new team in hopes of continuing his professional career.
Dekkers signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following a minicamp tryout in May 2025. He was never able to see the field during the preseason as Kellen Moore and the Saints worked rigorously to figure out their starting QB situation ahead of the regular season. Although Dekkers did not wind up making the active roster, he still found a place within the organization with a spot on the practice squad.
The Iowa native stuck close to home as he played the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Iowa State University as a Cyclone before wrapping his college days at Iowa Western University, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Dekkers will join another undrafted 2025 QB, Donovan Smith, on the Gamblers’ roster this spring. Smith played collegiate ball at both Texas Tech and Houston.
