The D.C. Defenders made some more roster moves on Friday with the acquisitions of Caraun Reid and Brett DioGuardi. The team also moved WR K.D. Cannon to the Reserve List, effectively ending his season with D.C. But it seems a “replacement” has been found with the signing of WR Josh Malone.
Josh Malone
Malone, 26, showed his ability to stretch the field at Tennessee before the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He demonstrated exponential growth throughout his three years with the Vols, which were capped off by career and team highs of 972 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 50 catches during his junior year. His 104 career receptions were 18th in program history and likely would’ve been higher had he not declared for the draft soon after the conclusion of his junior season.
The 6-3 205lb outside receiver ran an impressive 4.40s 40 at the combine. He spent two years with the Bengals ahead of joining the Jets in 2019, who waived him in August 2021. He has since played for the practice squads of the Broncos, Packers, Titans, and Steelers. His sole NFL touchdown came during his rookie year on a 25-yard strike from Andy Dalton against the Colts.
On the downside, Malone only jumped 30 ½“ at the combine and could use refinement when it comes to his playmaking ability. I don’t see him as an immediate starter. But he provides depth to a Defenders receiving core that has already been impeded by injuries.
K.D. Cannon & Defenders Injuries
The Defenders have dealt with a series of tough breaks thus far. DL Niles Scott and WR Jazz Ferguson have been on the IR with bicep and hamstring injuries, respectively. Once cleared to play again, they won’t be eligible to play for D.C. this season.
The Defenders selected Scott in the first round of the Defensive Front Seven phase, while Ferguson was selected in the fourth of the Offensive Skill Position portion. I had high hopes for both prospects. Especially Ferguson, who flunked out of LSU before rewriting school record books at Northwestern St. The 6-5 225lb receiver has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Renegades of the XFL 2020, where he racked up nine receptions for 54 yards.
D.C. recently placed K.D. Cannon (knee) on the IR. This comes as another tough blow for the Defenders, as the 27-year-old was an explosive receiver at Baylor and was another guy I was looking forward to watching take the top off opposing secondaries.
Caraun Reid & Brett DioGuardi
Along with Malone, D.C. added DL Cauraun Reid and LS Brett DioGuardi to its roster.
Reid (Princeton) earned first-team All-Ivy League honors for his performance three years in a row before entering and being selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The seasoned veteran has been part of eight different NFL organizations throughout his career and brings tons of experience to the Defenders interior defensive line. He’s put up respectable numbers on his pro career, including 55 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns off fumble recoveries. He last spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad during the 2021 season.
The 6-2 302lb defensive tackle uses his quickness and intelligence to stuff runs and provide pressure from the three-technique. His NFL experience means he should be accustomed to the Defenders’ 4-3 scheme.
The Defenders also added LS Brett DioGuardi (Florida) which comes as surprise considering they already have Erik Lawson at the position.
