What a year for the Defenders. After seeing Reggie Barlow opting to take the Head Coaching job at Tennessee State prior to week One of the 2025 UFL season. In came interim Head Coach Shannon Harris who despite being a “doorman” would lead D.C. to their first championship in the history of their franchise.
The Defenders were led by Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu who just wrapped up his 7th year in professional football and 5th in the spring. Ta’amu has been with D.C. since 2023 after several NFL stints, 5 games with the Battlehawks in 2020, and a year with the Tampa Bay Bandits in 2022. The Ole Miss alum has thrown for almost 10,000 yards and almost 70 passing touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,000 yards as well. He’s even recorded a receiving touchdown this past season.
The Defenders also saw a bit of Backup Quarterback Mike DiLiello who put together several solid showings including a gritty performance against the Battlehawks in a week 10 monsoon game. The Defenders also rostered Spencer Sanders as their QB3 who contributed as a Wide Receiver and on special teams much like Eric Dungey of the 2023 team.
While things look great from the outside, the Defenders do face plenty of questions at the position that’s maintained plenty of stability since the return of the franchise. Ta’amu’s NFL window is limited if not closed at this point, and with a championship ring, multiple accolades, and statistical supremacy what is left for Ta’amu outside of the UFL MVP. Is it worth it for him to continue down this path, of making between 60-80k a year as he continues to tread to the dreaded age-30 season.
The Defenders don’t just have a question at QB1 but also at QB2 and QB3. Is there enough faith in DiLiello to take a step forward? Also, while Spencer Sanders is a fun complimentary-gadget piece it’s clear he probably doesn’t have the support to take full-time reps as a Quarterback in this league. With the league looking to transition to a younger version of itself, is it possible that a player like Ta’amu either walks away or is asked to move on by Shannon Harris and Von Hutchins.
Ta’amu hasn’t had an NFL contract opportunity since 2023, and hasn’t spent time on a roster since 2021. Mike DiLiello hasn’t spent time with an NFL team other than a Rookie Mini Camp invite with the Titans in 2024, and Spencer Sanders has garnered limited NFL interest since coming out of college, much less at the Quarterback position.
For the Defenders moving forward they may be a team looking to get younger themselves overall. The team has done a great job transitioning players to the NFL, especially at the wide receiver position, however there are plenty spots the Defenders can get younger.
While the Defenders could probably squeeze another year or two out of Ta’amu, maybe he’s comfortable going out on a high note after his 2025. The Defenders do hold the rights to Emory Jones, Tanner Mordecai, and Kedon Slovis all three of which are currently fighting for their NFL futures in training camp right now.
Either way Von Hutchins has plenty of talent and skill currently on the roster, along with the ability to continue to retool and rebuild their roster as the GM has put together a 22-12 record since his hiring of the rebooted franchise.
1 Comment
by Adam Simon
Jones, Mordecai, or Slovis – one will drop to the Defenders. Spencer Sanders had a pretty good career at Oklahoma State before the Ole Miss transfer. I don’t understand why his game hasn’t transferred to the UFL. What does Ta’amu do outside of football?