DC Defenders offensive lineman Liam Ryan has signed with the Seattle Seahawks, marking his second stint with the team. Ryan joined Seattle last year as an undrafted free agent before being waived prior to the start of the regular season. Ryan re-signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad, but was released again midseason.
This past season for DC, Ryan played primarily left guard, but was shuffled along the offensive line throughout the season due to a flurry of injuries (including playing center). Ryan showed off his versatility in more ways than one this season, by never missing a start for the Defenders in 2023.
Furthermore, Ryan represented an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the XFL with just ten total. DC’s offensive line also hosted the XFL’s leading rusher, Abram Smith, who finished the season with 348 more yards than the second place rusher, Jacques Patrick.
Abram Smith is a cheat code #DefendDC | @abramsmith_28 pic.twitter.com/6iK1NkdM6O
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) July 19, 2023
Prior to beginning his professional career, Ryan spent his entire six season collegiate career at Washington State. At WSU, Ryan started 42 straight games to finish off his career, displaying his multi-positional value with 29 starts at left tackle and 13 starts at left guard.
Liam Ryan is the sixth DC Defenders player to sign an NFL contract this offseason. He joins a list that currently includes Chris Blair (ATL), Ferrod Gardner (WSH), Lucky Jackson (MIN), Brandon Smith (DEN), and Daniel Whelan (GB).
What are your thoughts on Liam Ryan signing with the Seattle Seahawks? Which XFL player is next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
