Free agent tracker: DeLoach, Lovett, Dent all find landing spots as UDFAs
Longtime FSU linebacker Kalen DeLoach expected to sign with Tampa Bay as UDFA
Few players probably signify Mike Norvell’s “Climb” mantra through his first few seasons at FSU more than Kalen DeLoach.
DeLoach went from rotational linebacker early in Norvell’s tenure to critical piece in the middle of FSU’s defense over the last two seasons. He also has the claim of making probably the single most memorable play of FSU’s 2023 season, his strip sack and fumble recovery touchdown to tie up the FSU-Clemson game, which the Seminoles eventually won in overtime.
Following the seven-round draft, DeLoach and his family announced he would sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Defensive tackle Fabien Lovett and safety Akeem Dent are also pursuing free-agent deals.
2023 stats: 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
Career stats: 211 tackles, 24.5 TFL, 11 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery over five seasons at FSU
Accolades: First-team All-ACC, second-team All-American (The Athletic) and FSU Defensive MVP in 2023
What he did at Combine: Second among LBs at combine in 40-yard dash (4.47), seventh among LBs in broad jump (9’11”)
What they’re saying: “DeLoach doesn’t have the size or strength to be an every-down player in the NFL, but he has subpackage potential in the right situation if he continues to develop in coverage. His ability to consistently be the first guy down the field on kickoffs might be his saving grace.”
DT Fabien Lovett signing with two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs
It was a bit of a surprise when FSU defensive tackle Fabien Lovett was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, the upside of that is that undrafted players get to choose the team they land with as undrafted free agents. In Lovett's case, he's signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of each of the last two Super Bowls.
While Lovett will have his work cut out in order to make the 53-man roster, he'll have an opportunity to win a ring in his first professional season should he make the squad.
Although he’s technically a transfer, I’d say FSU gets pretty close to full credit for Lovett’s growth and development.
Lovett transferred in from Mississippi State ahead of Mike Norvell’s first season in 2020 and played a critical part in the middle of FSU’s defensive line throughout Norvell’s first four seasons leading the Seminoles.
Battling through an injury suffered early in the 2022 season, Lovett worked his way back to playing a key rotational role on FSU’s 2023 defense.
2023 stats: 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, three pass breakups, 1 QB hurry over 13 games
Career stats: 93 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 6 sacks over six seasons at FSU and MSU
Accolades: Honorable mention All-ACC in 2022
What he did at Combine: Attended combine but did not participate in drills; 25 reps on bench press at FSU Pro Day
What they’re saying: The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: “Lovett is a slow-twitch big man with better flashes than consistency, but he is stout at contact with the God-given length and power to continue getting better as a pass rusher. He has a scheme-versatile skill set and projects as a rotational interior lineman.”
FSU safety Akeem Dent lands with Chargers as UDFA
Although a highly-regarded recruit coming out of high school, FSU safety Akeem Dent wasn't among the Seminoles who heard their names called in this week's NFL Draft.
However, Dent will still get his opportunity to pursue a professional career as he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.
It’s a years-long journey for Dent, who was a former five-star cornerback recruit but who landed at safety and left the Seminoles as the program’s active leader in pass breakups (18) and appeared in 54 games over five seasons as a Seminole.
2023 stats: 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass breakup
Career stats: 187 tackles, 4 TFL, 0.5 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 18 PBUs over five seasons at FSU
Accolades: Honorable mention All-ACC in 2023
What he did at Combine: Not invited to combine but reportedly ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at FSU Pro Day which would have been fastest of all safeties at the combine
Former FSU linebacker Amari Gainer signs with Raiders in free agency
Although not a member of the 2023 FSU football team, Tallahassee native Amari Gainer played quite a role in FSU's rebuild over five seasons from 2018 through 2022.
After appearing in 46 games at FSU, Gainer transferred to North Carolina for his final season of eligibility where he had 27 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
He wasn't drafted but will get his opportunity as a UDFA, signing on Saturday with the Las Vegas Raiders.