The DC Defenders are currently under a roster recalibration ahead of the 2025 UFL season. After a disappointing 2024 campaign in terms of not meeting expectations, it’s become evident that changes must and will be made. With the verdict still out on numerous players returning status from last year’s roster, the team has continued their offseason recalibration with re-signing kicker Matthew McCrane, along with signing RB Deon Jackson and WR Shaq Davis.
New Additions: The DC Defenders are signing the following players:
• RB Deon Jackson (Duke)
• WR Shaq Davis (SC State)Today’s three signings brings the team to 33 players currently under contract.#UFL pic.twitter.com/sXD5qaCBFx
— Christian Paolantonio (@PaolantonioPFN) December 3, 2024
Matthew McCrane had quite the UFL offseason, flying around the country for a plethora of NFL stints/workouts, including a brief practice squad stay with the Detroit Lions and multiple workouts for the Washington Commanders.
McCrane, 30, returns to DC for his third season with the Defenders, after finishing 28/36 the past two spring seasons.
Matt McCrane drills the 54-yard FG! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MTCycXiwvI
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) April 13, 2024
RB Deon Jackson
Defenders fans should be ecstatic about the signing of former NFL running back Deon Jackson. Jackson, 25, was most recently with the New York Jets this past August for a short stint, but gained his claim to fame in his second season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 when he started two games and finished the season with 236 rushing yards on 68 attempts. Jackson also presents a threat in the pass game, he most notably finished a week six game vs. Jacksonville in 2022 with ten catches for 79 yards.
How about Deon Jackson?! #ForTheShoe
📺: #JAXvsIND on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/8OM0dwv0tB pic.twitter.com/My0GISrV3C— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022
The former Duke Blue Devil also started week one for the Colts…