It's the end of training camp and DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris had some tough decisions to make with the roster as final cutdowns had to be made.
For the Defenders, 14 players were released from the team to get the roster down to the 50 required before the 2026 season. Here are the players that were released via Christian Paolantonio:
Javon Antonio, WR
Ja'Khi Douglas, WR
Montrell Washington, WR
Maliq Carr, TE
LaColby Tucker, OT
Matthew Foster, OG
Solomon Kindley, OG
Devonta Davis, DL
Khari Manns, DL
Kyron Johnson, DL
Kiondre Thomas, CB
Ekow Boye-Doe, CB
Maceo Beard-Aigert, S
Leon O'Neal Jr., S
Breaking down DC Defenders' final roster cuts before 2026 season starts
All eyes shifted to Kiondre Thomas' name as he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the UFL. Thomas was reportedly only cut because he is dealing with an injury and should be back on the roster in the next week or two once he recovers.
Another surprising name to see on there was safety Leon O'Neal Jr., who dominated last season with the Houston Roughnecks. He had 46 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 2025.
One other name that was interesting was Montrell Washington being released from the team. Based on his experience in the NFL since 2022, some might have thought he would have had the upper hand in making it, but that doesn't appear to be the case.
The defending UFL champions have their roster set, but have a long road ahead as they prep for their Week 1 matchup against the St. Louis Battlehawks.