-Credit:Richard Heathcote/Getty Images/ Instagram: @lrzammit
Louis Rees-Zammit has left the United States as he continues to weigh up his options after his Jacksonville Jaguars contract expired.
The former Wales wing was left without an NFL team earlier this week, after the Jaguars let his deal with them expire. The 23-year-old, who has spent the last four months in Jacksonville after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, is now a free agent and said to be “figuring out” his next move.
Having had a meteoric rise from rugby player to signing for the Super Bowl champions after coming through the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme a year ago, Rees-Zammit’s future in American football now looks increasingly uncertain.
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With speculation growing, the Welshman has jetted off on holiday to Thailand with his brother Taylor, with the pair sharing photos of and clips of their stay at a luxury hotel in Phuket, having stopped off in Singapore on the way. In one photo, they donned flower bracelets while another video showed the NFL hopeful relaxing by the water.
In regard to his NFL career, where Rees-Zammit will go next remains to be seen, with it not out of the question that he could in fact remain at the Jaguars. While the franchise have signed seven players to what are called reserve/futures contracts, the Welshman is currently not one of them, but it is thought they have been impressed by him and would be keen for him to be part of their training camp ahead of next season.
Futures contracts are offered at the culmination of an NFL regular season and tie practice squad members or free agents to a franchise, meaning they are not able to negotiate with other teams even though the new league year has not kicked in. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Teams are not limited in how many players they can sign to futures contracts, so long as it doesn’t put them over the 90-man limit that takes effect on the first day of the new league year. The fact Rees-Zammit has not been offered one yet, or has not accepted one, is perhaps significant, although it is possible he could still end up back at the Jaguars.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter has now weighed in on the current situation, with the Jaguars also continuing their search for a new head coach after parting ways with Doug Pedersen. Schecter has offered hope for the Welshman, suggesting that he could be a desirable “low-risk” option for any new coach or indeed other teams.
“Whenever a new head coach comes in, they’ll evaluate the entire roster,” she told BBC Sport Wales. “They’ll want to see who fits their vision and they may have a different perspective on the schemes they want to implement.
“International Player Pathway participants, like Louis, are often seen as low-risk assets because they don’t take up a roster spot, which makes them an attractive option for teams looking to develop talent.”
“Ultimately, it’s all about developing his football IQ,” Schecter added. “He needs to absorb as much knowledge as possible about the game. It’s been tough for him, but his athleticism is undeniable, and that will give him a solid foundation.
“Their season is over now and they don’t really start going back until end of March, early April. Nobody’s really in the building right now but he’s doing everything he can to make sure that he either can re-sign with the Jags or find another team.”