As a team who started conducting offseason moves slightly later than other teams around the league, the Defenders have been extremely busy since December and show no signs of slowing down. DC added two more players over the past 24 hours, signing former NFL tight end Devin Asiasi and claiming offensive tackle Darius Harper off of waivers from the Birmingham Stallions, per James Larsen (UFL Newsroom).
Breaking: The DC Defenders have signed TE Devin Asiasi.
Asiasi played his college ball at UCLA, totaling 789 yards & 6 TD’s in his career. He’s had stints with the #Patriots, #Bengals, & #Browns.@XFLDefenders bring depth to the TE room. #UFL pic.twitter.com/woTMKLeAL9
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 1, 2025
Harper played three seasons with Birmingham, winning three championships in the process with Skip Holtz. This was a no-brainer move for Defenders GM Von Hutchins, adding depth to a unit that was extremely volatile in 2024. Harper immediately becomes a name to watch out for ahead of training camp as teams begin to iron out the roster.
The DC Defenders have claimed OT Darius Harper off of waivers from the Stallions.
Harper played three seasons in Birmingham, winning three Championships. Solid pickup for their O-Line. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 1, 2025
See also
Devin Asiasi is a former third round pick of the New England Patriots from the 2020 NFL Draft, and now adds a previously absent athletic element to the tight ends room for DC. Playing his college ball at UCLA, Asiasi earned high expectations in New England after the departure of All-Pro TE Rob Gronkowski. Unfortunately, Asiasi experienced multiple injuries during his Patriots tenure and ultimately was waived two years after being drafted.
Put the ball in your trophy case rookie
2016 All-American Devin Asiasi (@ASI2X) scores the first touchdown of his NFL career. #GoPats #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸
— Navy All-American Bowl…