There were a few XFL teams who saw notable roster moves/changes this week. The St. Louis Battlehawks, DC Defenders, and San Antonio Brahmas have shifted a few pieces around, mostly on the offensive side of the ball.
St. Louis Battlehawks
Re-Signed WR Sam Wiglusz
OG Abdul Beecham To IR
With the release of Denzel Mims, the Battlehawks have brought back WR Sam Wiglusz, which isn’t much of a surprise. Wiglusz began the season on this roster, but was let go a couple weeks into the year as Jerome Kapp made his way back off of IR.
Wiglusz, the former Ohio standout, has spent time in the NFL with the Rams – and is someone who can contribute on special teams, as he did during his first couple of games. Look for Sam to primarily be a backup the rest of the season.
Unfortunately, starting OG Abdul Beecham has been placed on IR, which is brutal news for this Battlehawks O-Line. Beecham has been playing quite well for St. Louis, and already missed two games with a hand injury. He had a 79.4 Pass Blocking Grade through four games. It won’t be easy to replace Beecham at all, as he’s been stellar up front.
DC Defenders
Released LB Ralen Goforth
Released OL Lamont Gaillard
The Defenders were busy yesterday letting a couple of pieces go. LB Ralen Goforth has been released, having joined the team a couple of weeks ago to fill in for an injured Ferrod Gardner. Goforth didn’t get to see any snaps for DC, though, remaining on the inactive roster the last two games. Ralen was originally signed by Michigan in Training Camp, but has now been cut by both the Panthers and Defenders.
DC lost Lamont Gaillard to IR early in the season, which was unfortunate to see as Lamont has been one of the team’s stronger blockers the past couple of years. With how well their offensive line is playing as a whole, though, DC clears space on their IR list by releasing Gaillard.
San Antonio Brahmas
Cut OG Greg Eiland
Claimed OL Lamont Gaillard
The Brahmas have had some serious offensive line issues throughout this season. Anyone who’s watched this team can see how much they’ve struggled, in stark contrast to the quality play we saw from this unit in 2024.
Greg Eiland, who’s been one of the staples of this group, has been cut. This year, Eiland’s grades were very poor – with a 37.7 Run Block/36.7 Pass Block grades respectively (via PFF). In their loss to Birmingham, Eiland’s Pass Blocking grade was a putrid 7.9. He allowed two sacks, five pressures, and committed two penalties on the year in five games (179 snaps).
San Antonio now picks up Lamont Gaillard, who spent the last two years in DC. Gaillard went down at the end of week one against Birmingham, having played 67 snaps in that game – allowing just one QB pressure. Last season, he had an 80.3 Pass Blocking grade in six matchups, via PFF.
It’s a good move by GM Marc Lillibridge to try and get this offensive line back on track. There isn’t any word yet on when Gaillard can suit up again, but heading towards next UFL season, Lamont’s a great add.
What are your thoughts on these moves within the XFL Conference? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
