As the UFL season officially comes an end the D.C. Defenders have seen their first signing of the cycle. Per UFL Analyst, Defenders wide receiver Erik Ezukanma is officially joining the Eagles after a standout 2026 spring campaign.
A former 4th round pick from the 2022 NFL draft out of Texas Tech, Ezukanma has spent time with the Dolphins, and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars on their practice squad before his release in October. In February, the Defenders signed Ezukanma, strengthening an already strong receiving corp.
This past spring Ezukanma recorded 15 receptions for 227 yards, while also adding 79 rushing yards and 459 kick return yards. While his impact was felt in the Defenders offense as a versatile option, his ability to return kicks, while also recording several tackles on special teams also make him an option.
In addition to his experience in the UFL, Ezukanma appeared in five games over three seasons with the Dolphins and had one catch for three yards to go with five carries for 22 yards.
Ezukanma becomes the 10th D.C. Defender wide receiver to earn an NFL contract since the return of the franchise in 2023. Currently Brandon Smith (2024), and Chris Blair (2023) remain on NFL rosters with Cornell Powell, Kelvin Harmon, Ty Scott, and Lucky Jackson all spending time on rosters throughout that time frame. As the Defenders go into the second day of the offseason, Ezukanma, and Devonnsha Maxwell are the only Defenders to receive NFL interest so far.