The Louisville Kings have officially added Lorenzo Mauldin IV, a veteran defensive lineman from the Canadian Football League (CFL), to their roster, according to the United Football League’s transaction report. This move marks a surprising transition for Mauldin, who has established himself as a distinguished player in Canada’s top football league.
Career Overview and Recent CFL Activity
Mauldin, 33, was recently traded at the 2025 CFL trade deadline from the Ottawa Redblacks to the Calgary Stampeders. Over 15 games with both teams this season, he amassed 26 defensive tackles alongside two sacks. His CFL tenure includes multiple seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Redblacks, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he totaled 163 defensive tackles, 36 sacks, 12 special teams tackles, and six forced fumbles across 91 appearances.
Award-Winning Defensive Performance
During his four-year stint with the Ottawa Redblacks, Mauldin earned two All-CFL defensive end selections and gained national recognition in 2022 after recording a remarkable 17 sacks. That performance secured him the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award, cementing his status as one of the CFL’s elite defenders.
Early Career and NFL Experience
A product of the University of Louisville, Mauldin was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, selected 82nd overall. His NFL career spanned three seasons, during which he recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble while earning upwards of $5.3 million in salary.
Status Before Joining the UFL
Although Mauldin was set to become a free agent in the CFL offseason, he did not re-sign with Calgary and was available to join any Canadian team. Instead, he opted to make an unexpected move to the United Football League by signing with the Louisville Kings, his hometown team.
Implications of the UFL Signing
Lorenzo Mauldin’s decision to join the Louisville Kings brings significant veteran experience to the UFL roster, potentially raising the league’s competitiveness and visibility. This signing could signal growing interest among established players in the UFL and may influence future talent acquisitions for the league and teams like Louisville.
LOUISVILLE!!!!!!! I'M HOME!!!!!!! https://t.co/K7WgLihn3d
— Lorenzo “Lozo” Mauldin IV (@LozoIV) February 12, 2026
