Area players sign free-agent deals after NFL Draft

Local products Cian Slone and Michael Wortham are getting a shot at the NFL after signing undrafted free-agent deals following the NFL Draft. Slone, a Rocklin High School graduate, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after wrapping up his college career at North Carolina State. The edge rusher took a winding path to the pro level, beginning at American River College, where he earned a California Community College Defensive MVP honor before transferring to Utah State and later NC State. In his lone season with the Wolfpack, Slone recorded 61 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and an interception while showcasing his versatility as a pass rusher and coverage linebacker. He totaled 9.5 sacks over two seasons at Utah State and was a second-team All-Mountain West selection. Slone is expected to compete for a role as a hybrid linebacker and special-teams contributor as he enters camp with the Raiders. Wortham, a Sierra College product and Center High School graduate, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars following a standout final season at Montana. Wortham began his college career as a quarterback at Sierra, where he earned a junior college All-America honor before transitioning into one of the most dynamic all-purpose players at the Division I FCS level. In 2025 at Montana, Wortham was a Walter Payton Award finalist after compiling a school-record 2,431 all-purpose yards. He caught 85 passes for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns, rushed for 345 yards and seven scores and made a major impact in the return game. A consensus All-American, Wortham also starred at Eastern Washington before his final season at Montana and is expected to compete for a role as a receiver and return specialist in Jacksonville.