DC Defenders Bolster Roster with 4 New Signings, Lose Star TE

The Defenders add wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, and cornerback, but part ways with tight end Zack Kuntz.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The DC Defenders have made several notable roster moves, signing four new players - wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, tight end Kole Taylor, offensive tackle Trey Wedig, and cornerback Willie Drew Jr. - while also releasing tight end Zack Kuntz, who has signed a futures contract with the Miami Dolphins. These transactions aim to strengthen the Defenders' lineup as they prepare for the upcoming United Football League season.

Why it matters

The Defenders' roster changes reflect their efforts to build a competitive team by adding experienced and versatile players to key positions. While the loss of Kuntz creates a gap at tight end, the additions of Ezukanma, Taylor, Wedig, and Drew could help provide more depth and stability across offense and defense.

The details

Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma joins the Defenders after a standout college career at Texas Tech, where he became the first player in school history to lead the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons. Tight end Kole Taylor, standing at 6-foot-7, brings size and experience after brief stints with the Orlando Storm and Cincinnati Bengals. Offensive tackle Trey Wedig, who played at Wisconsin and Indiana, provides versatility and size to the offensive line. Cornerback Willie Drew Jr. returns to the Defenders after spending time with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

  • The Defenders made these roster moves this week, ahead of the upcoming UFL season.
  • Tight end Zack Kuntz signed a futures contract with the Miami Dolphins, meaning he will not participate in the UFL this year.

The players

Erik Ezukanma

A 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver from Texas Tech, where he made history as the first player to lead the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons.

Kole Taylor

A 6-foot-7 tight end who recently joined the Defenders after brief stints with the Orlando Storm and Cincinnati Bengals.

Trey Wedig

An offensive tackle who brings versatility and size, standing at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds. He played at Wisconsin and Indiana, and has also spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Willie Drew Jr.

A cornerback who returns to the Defenders after spending last offseason with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

Zack Kuntz

The Defenders' former tight end who has signed a futures contract with the Miami Dolphins, meaning he will not participate in the UFL this year.

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What they’re saying

“Erik Ezukanma was fired up after this acrobatic catch 🔥”

— NFL, Official Tweet (Twitter)

“🚨Willie Drew @wrdjr23 UFL Season Highlight Tape🚨#BurdsEyeViewMadeIt 🚀”

— BurdsEyeView, Social Media Post (Twitter)

The takeaway

The DC Defenders' roster moves demonstrate their proactive approach to strengthening key positions as they prepare for the upcoming UFL season. While the loss of Zack Kuntz creates a gap at tight end, the additions of versatile and experienced players like Ezukanma, Wedig, and Drew could help provide more depth and stability across the offense and defense.