DETROIT, MI – The world of rugby that revolves around former National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne took another turn
this week.
After encountering some problems with his work visa last week, Hayne had to return home to Australia and decided to take a break from his journey to the NFL over the Christmas holiday. One week later, and his work visa problem over, the former Parramatta Eel seems to be nearing a futures contract with a NFL franchise.
“The immigration said I can sign another contract after December 29, so I just felt like that was a sign to shut it down for a bit and get that rest,” Hayne said, according to The Daily Telegraph. “It’s a long way away from where I want to be, but I’m definitely taking the right steps in the right direction.”
When Hayne started this journey back in the fall, he envisioned that he would have already latched on with a team at this point. While he isn’t on a franchise yet, the dual-sport athlete feels that things are starting to turn in the right direction.
“I was meant to start with a team two weeks ago,” Hayne said. “I had packed my bags and was ready to start the next day, but it wasn’t until I flew into the facility that the visa concerns came up... But the interest has been very overwhelming.”
At this point, Hayne’s two most likely suitors are the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. The Lions have one of their futures contracts still available, while the Seahawks have both o their’s open.
For those who are unaware of what a futures contract is, here’s the term’s explanation at Bleacher Report: “Teams can sign players to futures contracts as soon as the previous regular season is over, but the contract won’t count against the salary cap or 53-man limit. Instead, it’ll count against the salary cap and 90-man camp limit of the following season.”
With Hayne nearing a deal, one could expect the former rugger to sign a futures contract within the next couple of weeks.
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