Isaiah Johnson – Cornerback – DC Defenders (Houston)
The DC Defenders have brought back cornerback Isaiah Johnson, who previously spent time with the team in 2023 before being placed on injured reserve. Johnson, a fourth-round selection (129th overall) by the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft, brings NFL experience having spent time with the Broncos, Steelers, and Cardinals. At Houston, Johnson showcased his versatility by successfully transitioning from wide receiver to cornerback, where he accumulated impressive defensive stats including 66 solo tackles, 4 assists, and 4 interceptions over his collegiate career.
Kristjan Sokoli – Offensive Lineman – Houston (Buffalo)
Kristjan Sokoli joins Houston’s roster, marking another chapter in his diverse football journey. Making history as the NFL’s first Albanian-born player when selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 6th round (214th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Sokoli has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career. During his college career at Buffalo as a defensive lineman, he recorded 31 solo tackles, 41 assists, and 2.5 sacks. His spring football experience includes stints with the Houston Gamblers (USFL), DC Defenders (XFL), and The Spring League, along with time in the German Football League with the Potsdam Royals.
Jaden Shirden – Running Back – Michigan Panthers (Monmouth)
The Michigan Panthers have secured an impressive talent in running back Jaden Shirden from Monmouth, where he built an outstanding collegiate resume. Shirden’s college career was marked by exceptional statistics, rushing for 3,697 yards on 504 carries with a remarkable 7.3 yards per carry average and 26 touchdowns. His accolades include being a two-time unanimous FCS All-American (2022-2023), two-time CAA Offensive Player of the Year (2022-2023), and he notably recorded 14 rushing touchdowns of 50+ yards during his career.
Malik Turner – Wide Receiver – Michigan Panthers (Illinois)
Malik Turner brings NFL experience to the Michigan Panthers, having played with the Seattle Malik Turner brings NFL experience to the Michigan Panthers, having played with the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.
His most productive NFL season came in 2019 with the Seahawks, where he recorded 15 receptions for 245 yards and 1 touchdown over 15 games. Turner later showed his scoring ability with the Cowboys in 2021, securing 12 receptions for 149 yards and 3 touchdowns across 14 games.
During his collegiate career at Illinois, Turner proved to be a reliable receiver, compiling impressive stats across 45 games:
10 touchdowns
143 receptions
1,804 receiving yards
Rodrigo Blankenship – Kicker – St. Louis (Georgia)
Rodrigo Blankenship joins St. Louis after establishing himself as one of college football’s most reliable kickers at Georgia. His collegiate career was marked by exceptional accuracy, highlighted by perfect extra point execution (200/200) and outstanding field goal consistency (80/97, 82.5% success rate). Blankenship brings NFL experience to the UFL, having most notably played with the Indianapolis Colts.
Waiver System Transactions
Termination Via Waiver System
- Team: Houston
- Calvin Ashley – Position: G – College: Auburn
- Carlos Carriere – Position: WR – College: Central Michigan
- Dezmon Jackson – Position: RB – College: Sam Houston State
- Ethan Carde – Position: T – College: Boise State
- Juwan Mitchell – Position: ILB – College: Colorado
- Maea Teuhema – Position: G – College: Southeastern Louisiana
