On Wednesday, the United Football League (UFL) saw more roster movement from several teams. These include the Columbus Aviators, DC Defenders, Louisville Kings, and St. Louis Battlehawks.
St. Louis Battlehawks
CB Mac McCain, Signed
CB Keylon Kennedy, Signed
WR Taylor Morin, Removed
The St. Louis Battlehawks were active in their secondary, signing a couple of cornerbacks over the last day. Mac McCain had an interesting career at North Carolina A&T. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman with 50 tackles and six interceptions (three pick sixes), dominating week in and week out.
Over the last few years, Mac has had several NFL opportunities, notably with the Broncos and Eagles. He was also with the Brahmas for a short time in the UFL in 2024. Mac was signed by St. Louis late last year, but didn’t see the field. Now, he returns to Battlehawk Blue, despite the new coaching staff.
Another former Battlehawk is returning, as Keylon Kennedy has also been signed to St. Louis, per Michael Del Negro. Keylon has been in and out of the spring scene for a few years. He played for the XFL’s Vegas Vipers in 2023, totaling 36 tackles and two interceptions that year.
St. Louis picked Keylon up in the Dispersal Draft during the merger, and he remained with the Battlehawks until Training Camp in 2025.
It’s unfortunate to see Taylor Morin on the release list. Taylor was an exciting addition to St. Louis’ roster, having set a Wake Forest record with 2,974 receiving yards – breaking Ricky Proehl’s previous record at the school. Morin was recently with the Philadelphia Eagles this past NFL preseason.
DC Defenders
LB Gabriel Murphy, Signed
The DC Defenders continue to beef up defensively. They’ve added LB Gabriel Murphy, who is fresh off of a couple of NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Murphy was recently on Minnesota’s practice squad, but didn’t sign a futures deal with the team.
Murphy began his college career at North Texas. He started in 15 of 24 games played there, racking up 73 tackles and 12 sacks. Gabriel saw snaps at both linebacker and defensive end. Murphy then transferred to UCLA, totaling 76 tackles and 9.5 sacks in two seasons – which earned him an UDFA opportunity with the Vikings.
Gabriel has speed, running a 4.68 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. Murphy was also selected by the San Antonio Brahmas in the second round of the 2024 UFL Draft.
Roster Losses
Columbus Aviators, DT Paris Shand: After being signed just a couple of days ago, Paris Shand has already departed from the Aviators roster. It’s a curious move by Columbus, given Shand’s resume and the fact that he’s a new add. One has to wonder if he possibly received an NFL opportunity, because otherwise this is an odd transaction.
Louisville Kings, DB Andrew Booth: It’s been a rough week for the Kings, who already lost Irv Smith Jr. a couple of days ago. The Kings drafted some exceptional talent, including Booth, who have seemingly chosen to walk away from the UFL prior to Training Camp.
What are your thoughts on these moves from the St. Louis Battlehawks? Will Gabriel Murphy be a strong addition to DC? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
