As the UFL prepares for its second season, teams have begun to assess their areas of greatest need with some interesting trades emerging. One of the most intriguing trades thus far involves the Houston Roughnecks trading talented defensive back Kiondre Thomas to the D.C. Defenders for quarterback Jalen McClendon.
Playing in only five games last year in relief of Defenders’ starter Jordan Ta’amu, McClendon completed 13/21 for 129 yards with 27 yards rushing and one touchdown. On November 4, 2024, the Charlotte, North Carolina native recommitted to the Defenders and signed for a second season. Two days later, the trade to Houston was announced.
For Houston, the acquisition of McClendon follows the recent release of former Roughnecks quarterback Reid Sinnett. The Roughnecks needed an offensive shake-up following last season’s dismal start. During his time with Houston, Sinnett completed 117 of 187 pass attempts for 1,136 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.
At 6’4″ and 222 lbs, McClendon brings size and athleticism to the position. He was the Defender’s sixth overall pick in the 2024 UFL dispersal draft. Despite seeing only limited playing time as Ta’amu’s backup, McClendon previously played for the XFL Vegas Vipers. During his tenure with the Vipers, he passed for 873 yards and five touchdowns while scrambling for another 137 yards on the ground. McClendon is expected to compete with D.C.’s returning quarterback Nolan Henderson for the starting assignment.
In trading for Thomas, the D.C. Defenders get a proven defensive playmaker. Despite appearing in only six games for Houston last season, Thomas logged 14 tackles, (11 solo and one for a loss) one interception, and broke up three passes. Thomas’ aggressive play style brought him to the attention of the NFL this past year. He was one of the UFL players to make the Carolina Panthers training camp although he was waived before the pre-season. He briefly spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers before getting cut ahead of the current season.
Last season, D.C. had a decent defensive team featuring two of the league’s top ten players, Anthony Hines III and Michael Joseph. Between the two, they had 123 tackles including 87 solo, and one forced fumble. Although neither Hines nor Joseph has committed to the Defenders for the upcoming season, Thomas should prove a strong addition to an established defense.
