D.C. Defenders, Birmingham Stallions Execute Trade Days Before First Wave of Cuts
Per sources within the Defenders and Stallions, and as first reported by James Larsen, D.C. and Birmingham have executed the first player trade of the UFL's inaugural training camp.
The Defenders are sending recently signed edge rusher Chauncey Rivers to Birmingham in exchange for offensive tackle Jahmir Johnson.
Rivers registered nine tackles and 2.5 sacks in 10 games as a Houston Roughneck last season, playing in Wade Phillips's 3-4 defense behind accomplished edge rushers Trent Harris, John Daka and Tim Ward. The former Last Chance U star, who saw game action in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers, should help bolster Birmingham's pass rush. Rivers will have more of an opportunity to shine than in Houston or D.C. because he was positioned behind talented pass rushers on those rosters.
#UFL TRADE: The DC Defenders are trading LB Chauncey Rivers to the Birmingham Stallions, in return for OT Jahmir Johnson, per sources.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 8, 2024
Rivers had been signed by the @XFLDefenders less than two weeks ago. Ross-Johnson started in 5 games for the @USFLStallions last year. pic.twitter.com/OluS3Yuwrc
As for the Defenders' acquisition of Johnson, a team source says they are happy to add the offensive tackle, who "started five games for the best team in the USFL last season."
The Defenders staff have had their eyes on Johnson for a while. D.C. wanted to draft the Texas A&M standout in the Super Dispersal Draft, the second phase of the UFL selection process, which allowed teams to select players outside their conference.
Johnson impressed the Defenders brass on film last season, especially considering he battled a shoulder injury. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound tackle can play on the left or right side and has collegiate experience playing at guard. The arrival of the former Aggie can help D.C. replace veteran Kyle Murphy, who retired before training camp.
This is the second deal that the Stallions have struck since the merger was consummated. Birmingham also swung a deal with San Antonio in January that saw them acquire safety Bubba Bolden from the Brahmas for defensive back Alijah Holder.
General Managers Von Hutchins (D.C.) and Zach Potter (Birmingham) are two of spring football's most successful talent evaluators, and it might not be the last time they do business with each other. Both have shown a propensity in this space to make impactful moves before and during the season.
The Defenders-Stallions trade arrives just days before March 10, when UFL team cuts from 75 to 58 are officially announced. Final cuts to 50 players will occur on March 23 before the regular season arrives the following weekend.
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Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.