Deon Cain (born August 9, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Clemson. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He was also named MVP of the 2023 USFL championship game.
Cain attended Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa, Florida. He played quarterback for the high school football team. He was rated as a five-star recruit and committed to Clemson University to play college football under head coach Dabo Swinney.
Cain moved to wide receiver at Clemson. As a true freshman in 2015, he played in 13 games, recording 34 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. He did not play in the 2015 Orange Bowl or 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship due to suspension for failing a drug test. Cain returned from the suspension in 2016, and played in all 15 games, including Clemson's 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Alabama. For the season, he had 38 receptions for 724 yards and nine touchdowns. After his junior season, Cain decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2018 NFL draft.
Cain was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. In the first preseason game, Cain suffered a torn ACL after a promising training camp, prematurely ending his rookie season. Cain was placed on injured reserve on August 12, 2018. He made his NFL debut in the Colts' 2019 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the 30âÂÂ24 loss, he had two receptions for 35 yards. He was waived on November 9.
On November 16, 2019, Cain was signed off the Colts practice squad by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 6 games with the Steelers, Cain caught 5 passes for 72 yards.
He was waived on September 5, 2020, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on October 17 and January 2, 2021, for the team's weeks 6 and 17 games, each against the Cleveland Browns, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 18.
On January 22, 2021, Cain signed a reserve/futures contract with the Baltimore Ravens. On August 31, he was placed on injured reserve, and released three days later.
On October 18, 2021, Cain was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 18, 2022.
On August 30, 2022, Cain was waived by the Eagles and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released by Philadelphia on October 31.
On November 11, 2022, the Tennessee Titans hosted Cain for a workout.
On March 8, 2023, Cain signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL). He caught 16 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He was named 2023 USFL championship game MVP after he caught three touchdown passes when his team won the championship game at the end of the season. His contract was terminated after the season on July 10, to sign with an NFL team.
On July 25, 2023, Cain signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 27, as part of final roster cuts before the start of the regular season.
On November 30, 2023, Cain re-signed with the Stallions. His contract was terminated on August 12, 2024, to sign with an NFL team.
On August 13, 2024, Cain signed with the Buffalo Bills following an injury to Chase Claypool. He was released as part of final roster cuts on August 27.
Cain was added to the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers on August 30, 2024. He was released by the Panthers on October 15.
Cain was re-signed to the Bills practice squad on October 31, 2024. He was waived on December 3.
On February 7, 2025, Cain re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions. On June 2, Cain was selected for the All-UFL Team.
On July 28, 2025, Cain signed with the Bills on a one-year contract. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
On January 13, 2026, Cain was selected by the Birmingham Stallions via pick protection.
Regular season
Postseason