Trades aren’t too prevalent in the UFL, but when they happen, they’re usually impactful. When the DC Defenders traded QB Jalan McClendon to the Houston Roughnecks, in return for DB Kiondre Thomas, it was an example of exactly that.
This was a relatively even trade on both sides. Similar to the blockbuster Marcus Simms deal (which also included Houston), the Roughnecks and Defenders benefitted from this move in 2025.
Let’s break down the impact that this trade had for both organizations.
Houston Roughnecks | Jalan McClendon
After trading away one of their top DB’s, it was a bit disappointing to see Jalan McClendon end up as QB3 in Houston entering the 2025 season. In week one, the trade looked like a loss for Houston. Thomas was excellent for the Roughnecks in 2024. Meanwhile, they traded him away for Jalan, who was the emergency QB.
Despite his QB3 designation, the benching of Anthony Brown – plus the injury to Nolan Henderson – gave Jalan his first true opportunity to start since the Vegas Vipers in 2023.
McClendon’s remarkable arm talent was on display right away. He nearly led Houston to a win over Birmingham in week four, before sending the Roughnecks on a two game winning streak to get them to .500 for the first time since the 2023 season.
Jalan threw for 1,464 yards across seven games – tossing six touchdowns to three picks. Jalan completed 65.3% of his pass attempts in 2025, boasting accuracy and velocity that we hadn’t seen from any of the Roughnecks QB’s over the past couple of years.
McClendon provided Houston with stability, poise, and leadership. Heading towards the 2026 season, Jalan is the clear face of this franchise, already re-signing his contract. Head Coach C.J. Johnson also stated that the plan is to build around McClendon next season.
While it originally appeared as if Houston lost this trade, it’s become increasingly clear: this was an excellent move by GM Will Lewis. With all of the talent they brought in at DB as well, the Roughnecks were sitting pretty in the secondary in 2025.
DC Defenders | Kiondre Thomas
The DC Defenders were needy for defensive backs this past UFL offseason. They saw a few of their DB’s either retire, or make their way to the NFL. With this in mind, it was a no-brainer for DC to trade McClendon to Houston, acquiring Kiondre Thomas. At the time, DC had just signed QB Emory Jones, filling the need for a backup behind Jordan Ta’amu. Emory ended up heading back to the NFL, though, and DC signed Spencer Sanders in his place.
I was just praising DB Kiondre Thomas for his exceptional week one play.
Immediately makes an impact in this game, picking off E.J. Perry to shut down a promising Showboats drive.
Houston trading @ItsJustKon away was a mistake. #UFL pic.twitter.com/MIor1G98wh https://t.co/ucjSzzszrZ
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 6, 2025
Kiondre Thomas is a defensive back that fit right into DC’s scheme. He started in a couple of games in 2025, showcasing versatility throughout the year. Including the postseason, Thomas posted 29 tackles, two interceptions, and three PBU’s.
While his play was a bit inconsistent throughout the year, Kiondre provided DC with depth. He played multiple positions, and also came up with a key interception in their Championship victory over the Michigan Panthers.
Thomas finished the 2025 UFL season with a 70.4 Defensive Grade via PFF, alongside a strong 76.5 Coverage Grade.
Final Thoughts
With the 2025 season behind us, it’s safe to say that this trade worked out for both sides pretty well. Houston, in the end, has the slight upper hand, finding their franchise QB in Jalan McClendon. In hindsight, it’s a bit absurd that he went into the season as QB3. Had Henderson never gotten injured, we may never have seen what Jalan was capable of.
That said, Kiondre Thomas was a key addition for DC at the time, and proved his worth to the defense in 2025. He’s a solid rotational piece, and someone worth bringing back in 2026. Thomas isn’t necessarily someone to “build around”, per se, but his continuity within DC’s defense next year should prove to be an asset.
Both General Managers in Von Hutchins and Will Lewis have been the most active in the UFL when it comes to executing trades; something to monitor between both organizations over the coming months of the offseason.
What are your thoughts on Jalan McClendon landing in Houston? Should DC have asked for more in return? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
