On Wednesday, the UFL featured another trade – and this one was quite intriguing. The DC Defenders sent QB Jalan McClendon to the Houston Roughnecks, in return for DB Kiondre Thomas.
#UFL TRADE: The DC Defenders have traded QB Jalan McClendon to the Houston Roughnecks, in return for DB Kiondre Thomas.
DC addresses a need, with a few of their DB’s not returning. Meanwhile, Houston adds another QB to their room to battle it out with Richard & Henderson. pic.twitter.com/gxhkqmwOk7
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) November 6, 2024
This is a transaction that is a bit of a risk for Houston – while for DC, it seems like they got a guy they wanted. Let’s break it all down and see what this trade means for both UFL franchises.
DC Defenders | Kiondre Thomas
For the Defenders, this is a smooth move by GM Von Hutchins. This DC team has lost a few of their top corners, with Gareon Conley and Santos Ramirez retiring. Not to mention, mainstays such as Michael Joseph, Deandre Baker, and Anthoula Kelly have yet to re-sign. There’s no guarantee that any of them return.
Enter Kiondre Thomas. Kiondre was one of the top DB’s for the Houston Roughnecks this year, after he returned from a three week suspension. Thomas returned to the lineup in week four, and immediately made an impact – snagging an interception in their one win of the season.
DB Kiondre Thomas had an excellent debut last weekend for the @XFLRoughnecks: 4 TKL, 1 INT, 2 PBU’s.
His tackling was key in this win: forcing a turnover on downs, & a late 4Q tackle kept the clock rolling. Expect @ItsJustKon to garner tough assignments tonight vs. BHAM. #UFL pic.twitter.com/c4fRfniAkc
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 27, 2024
Kiondre ended up playing in six games for the Roughnecks. He posted 14 tackles, an interception, and two PBU’s. He had a 64.6 Defensive Grade via PFF, with a 66.8 Coverage Grade.
This led to the Carolina Panthers signing Kiondre, bringing him into…