Former Texas Tech, Houston Texans Receiver Signs With UFL's D.C. Defenders
The United Football League announced several training camp additions to team rosters on Sunday evening, including former Texas Tech and Houston Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee.
Coutee, who also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021-2022, signed with the D.C. Defenders.
Coutee made a huge splash in his first NFL game after the Texans selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Coutee caught 11 passes for 109 yards, a Puka Nacua-like effort.
At the time, Coutee had the most receptions in a debut since the AFL-NFL merger. Only the Houston Oilers' Sid Blanks had more in NFL history when he caught 13 passes in his first game of 1964.
The former first-team All-Big 12 receiver, however, struggled with injuries, which limited the 5-foot-9 speedster to six games as a rookie with the Texans. Coutee showed flashes during his next two seasons but was primarily as a reserve.
The United Football League has agreed to terms with the following players: pic.twitter.com/3R9uqz5J2R
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 25, 2024
He had 85 catches for 966 yards and four touchdowns in 33 games, including 10 starts. He also rushed five times for 14 yards and a score, returned 24 punts for 200 yards, and returned five kickoffs for 97 yards between 2018 and 2022 with the Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
Coutee was in training camp with the New Orleans Saints and on the Miami Dolphins practice squad in 2023.
The D.C. Defenders had an obvious need at receiver when news broke over the weekend that slot receiver Josh Hammond retired. The Defenders also lost league standouts Chris Blair and Lucky Jackson, who are now in the NFL. Defenders general manager Von Hutchins has worked diligently during the offseason to find replacements.
D.C. has added other notable former NFL players. Philadelphia Eagles 2020 fifth-round pick John Hightower, former Miami Dolphins/Carolina Panthers receiver Preston Williams, 2019 sixth-round Washington selection Kelvin Harmon, and USFL standout Chris Rowland (Philadelphia Stars).
The Defenders have only two wideouts returning from last season's 9-1 squad: Brandon Smith, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals this summer, and veteran Jazz Ferguson.
XFL Offensive Player of The Year quarterback Jordan Ta'amu will have to get acclimated with a new set of receiving options as the Defenders continue training camp ahead of their season opener in San Antonio on March 31.
UFL Releases Coaching Staffs for 2024 Season
You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.
Catch up with UFL on FanNation on Facebook and X.
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.