This week, the DC Defenders have made notable adjustments to their roster by signing four new players: wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, tight end Kole Taylor, offensive tackle Trey Wedig, and cornerback Willie Drew Jr. At the same time, they released tight end Zack Kuntz, who signed a futures contract with the Miami Dolphins. These moves mark another step in the evolving DC Defenders roster as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Details on Incoming Players and Their Backgrounds
Erik Ezukanma, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver from Texas Tech, adds a physical presence to the Defenders’ offense. Ezukanma made history in college as the first Texas Tech player to lead the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons, from 2019 through 2021, accumulating over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns. Despite being drafted in the fourth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2022, he struggled to find a stable role in the NFL before returning to the professional spotlight with the Defenders. This addition strengthens the receiving corps, which already includes re-signed Keke Coutee.
“Erik Ezukanma was fired up after this acrobatic catch 🔥”
?NFL, Official Tweet
Kole Taylor, standing 6-foot-7, is a tight end who recently joined the Defenders after a brief stint with the Orlando Storm and a short tenure last year with the Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor’s size and experience provide an additional weapon for the DC offense, especially after the departure of Zack Kuntz.
Trey Wedig brings versatility and size to the offensive line. At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Wedig has experience playing multiple positions along the O-line. He began his collegiate career at Wisconsin, playing guard and tackle, before transferring to Indiana for his senior year. There, he started all 13 games at right tackle and was rated by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as the nation’s second-best offensive tackle. Wedig has NFL experience as well, having spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals prior to joining the Defenders.
“🚨Willie Drew @wrdjr23 UFL Season Highlight Tape🚨#BurdsEyeViewMadeIt 🚀”
?BurdsEyeView, Social Media Post
Returning cornerback Willie Drew Jr. had spent last offseason with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League before rejoining the Defenders. Drew was a reliable rotation player in the 2025 season, contributing seven tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup under defensive coordinator Blake Williams.
Notable Departures and Their Implications for DC Defenders
Among the departures, tight end Zack Kuntz’s signing of a futures agreement with the Miami Dolphins ensures he will not participate in the United Football League this year. Kuntz was a high-profile pick during the UFL draft last January and his exit leaves a gap in the tight end group, partially filled by the addition of Kole Taylor.
Impact of These Moves on Team Dynamics
These roster moves reflect the DC Defenders’ cautious yet proactive approach to strengthening key positions as they approach the new season. The additions of versatile and experienced players like Wedig and Ezukanma could help add stability and depth, while incoming defensive back Drew aims to bolster the secondary. Meanwhile, losing a talented tight end like Kuntz introduces some uncertainty about offensive continuity. Overall, these transactions set the stage for the Defenders to remain competitive but leave fans watching closely to see how the new chemistry develops.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER
CB, LaMareon James, TCUADDED TO ROSTER
DC DEFENDERS
WR, Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech
T, Trey Wedig, IndianaHOUSTON
DE, Kenny Dyson, Bryant UniversityLOUISVILLE
MLB, Nick Kubitz, North Dakota State— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 8, 2026
Erik Ezukanma was fired up after this acrobatic catch 🔥
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/g7PcMFtwst— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2025
🚨Willie Drew @wrdjr23 UFL Season Highlight Tape🚨#BurdsEyeViewMadeIt 🚀 pic.twitter.com/MEXWV0URww
— BurdsEyeView (@BurdsEyeView_5) June 23, 2025
