Montreal’s Rohan Jones Realizes NFL Dream with Los Angeles Rams

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief — Archysport

MONTREAL — When Rohan Jones first laced up cleats in Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood, the idea of catching passes in the NFL likely felt as distant as the Pacific Ocean from the St. Lawrence River. Yet on April 25, 2026, the 23-year-old tight end signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams, turning childhood dreams into professional reality.

“C’est tellement fou d’être rendu dans la NFL!” Jones told Journal de Québec in an emotional interview following the signing. The quote — “It’s so crazy to have made it to the NFL!” — captures the disbelief and pride of a Canadian athlete who took an unconventional path to football’s highest level.

From Montreal to Montana: The Journey That Defined Jones

Jones’ football odyssey began at the University of Maine, where he appeared in 12 games as a freshman. But it was his transfer to Montana State in 2024 that transformed his career. In his lone season with the Bobcats, Jones became a dominant force in the FCS, hauling in 30 receptions for 470 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Sky honors and first-team FCS All-American recognition — credentials that made NFL scouts take notice.

The tight end’s production only improved after transferring to Arkansas for the 2025 season. In 12 games (four starts) with the Razorbacks, Jones caught 19 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 27.3 yards per catch. His 5.08 yards per route run led all FBS players with more than 10 targets, regardless of position, according to Pro Football Focus.

“What stands out about Rohan is his versatility,” said Arkansas tight ends coach Michael Smith in a 2025 interview with Arkansas Athletics. “He can line up in-line, split out wide, or even take handoffs. That kind of flexibility is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in modern tight ends.”

The Pro Day That Opened Doors

Jones’ path to the NFL wasn’t guaranteed. At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, he lacks the prototypical size of many NFL tight ends. But his April 2026 pro day at Arkansas silenced doubters. The Montreal native posted eye-catching numbers that drew comparisons to NFL All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk:

• 4.72-second 40-yard dash
• 7.22-second three-cone drill
• 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press
• 32.5-inch vertical jump
• 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump

These metrics, combined with his college production, made Jones an attractive undrafted free agent target. The Rams, who went 12-5 in 2025 before falling in the NFC Divisional Round, saw potential in Jones as a hybrid tight end/fullback — a role that could complement their offensive scheme under head coach Sean McVay.

A Canadian in the NFL: Breaking Barriers

Jones’ signing carries significance beyond his individual journey. He becomes just the third Canadian tight end to sign an NFL contract since 2020, joining a modest but growing group of homegrown talent making waves in American football.

“Every Canadian kid who plays football dreams of this moment,” said former CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Jon Ryan, now an analyst for TSN. “Rohan’s success shows that with the right development path, Canadian players can compete at the highest level.”

The timing of Jones’ signing is particularly noteworthy. Just three days after joining the Rams, Jones was selected sixth overall in the 2026 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes — though his NFL opportunity likely means he’ll forgo that path for now. Two other Canadians, defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor and offensive lineman Logan Taylor, were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, continuing a trend of increased Canadian representation in the league.

What’s Next for Jones in Los Angeles

The Rams’ tight end room presents both opportunity and challenge for Jones. With Ohio State product Max Klare drafted in the second round (61st overall) and veteran Tyler Higbee entering the final year of his contract, Jones will need to impress quickly in training camp to earn a roster spot.

“The Rams have shown they’re not afraid to use tight ends in creative ways,” noted NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah in a recent Move the Sticks podcast. “If Jones can prove he can block at the point of attack while still being a threat in the passing game, he’ll have a real chance to stick.”

Jones’ versatility could be his ticket to the 53-man roster. In addition to his receiving skills, he carried the ball eight times for 41 yards and a touchdown in college, and even returned 18 kicks for 395 yards. That kind of special teams value could make him an attractive option for a Rams team that values multi-dimensional players.

Key Takeaways: What Jones’ Signing Means

• Historic Achievement: Jones becomes one of the few Canadian tight ends to sign an NFL contract, joining a select group that includes Rob Gronkowski (born in Buffalo but raised in Canada) and Luke Willson.
• Development Path: His journey — from Maine to Montana State to Arkansas — highlights the growing importance of transfer portal opportunities for Canadian players seeking NFL exposure.
• Positional Flexibility: Jones’ ability to play tight end, fullback, and special teams could be his path to making the Rams’ roster.
• CFL Implications: While drafted sixth overall by the Montreal Alouettes, Jones’ NFL opportunity likely means he’ll forgo his CFL rights for now.
• Rams’ Strategy: The signing continues Los Angeles’ trend of targeting versatile offensive weapons who can contribute in multiple roles.

The Road Ahead

For Jones, the real work begins now. Training camp will determine whether his NFL dream becomes a long-term reality or a brief taste of football’s highest level. What’s certain is that his journey — from the football fields of Montreal to the bright lights of Los Angeles — has already inspired a new generation of Canadian players.

“I hope this shows Canadian kids that it’s possible,” Jones said in his Journal de Québec interview. “If you work hard and get the right opportunities, you can make it to the NFL.”

Jones will report to the Rams’ rookie minicamp in May, where he’ll have his first opportunity to impress coaches, and teammates. For now, he’s savoring the moment — a Montreal kid living an NFL dream.

What’s Next: The Rams’ rookie minicamp begins May 10, 2026. Follow Rams official team updates for roster moves and training camp reports.

Have thoughts on Rohan Jones’ NFL journey? Share your comments below or join the conversation on Twitter.