Louis Rees-Zammit likely to move to Jacksonville Jaguars and could feature in London games

Louis Rees-Zammit’s journey in the NFL is likely to take a surprise turn, as reports in the United States suggest the former Wales wing is poised to sign a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

‌Rees-Zammit, now a free agent, was expected to join the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad after missing out on a spot on the Chiefs 53-man roster ahead of the new NFL season. Being in the practice squad would have allowed him to continue to learn the sport while being called up to the main roster at any time.

‌However, reports now indicate that the player is finalising a deal with Jacksonville, that would take the 23-year-old to Florida and to a Jaguars franchise with a strong presence in the UK – they play games annually at Wembley Stadium.

‌Rees-Zammit could play twice in London this year, given the Jaguars face the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a week before hosting the New England Patriots at Wembley.

Reports suggest that Rees-Zammit will be placed on the Jaguars practice squad, where he could take one of the newly-created international exemption spots for practice squad players.

The Jaguars do not have an international player on their main roster after Patrick Murtagh, their Australian tight end, broke his ankle earlier this month. They named 14 players to their practice squad on Tuesday, leaving two spaces plus one more for an international player.

‌The Chiefs used Rees-Zammit on kick-offs and as a kick returner and running back during pre-season. His best performance came in his final pre-season game against the Bears with four carries for 21 yards. He also faced the Jaguars earlier in pre-season playing for the Chiefs.

Jacksonville won nine games last season and missed out on the play-offs.