The D.C. Defenders are set to sign tight end Mason Fairchild and offensive lineman Jason Poe on Thursday according to the X account UFL Analyst.
Mason Fairchild is six foot four and weighs 260 pounds. The 23-year-old from Andale, Kansas, signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on August 3, 2024. In 2024, Fairchild made three catches for 31 yards in two preseason games. The Saints released him on August 29, 2024.
Collegiately, Fairchild played five seasons at Kansas (2019-23) making 82 catches for 1,111 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist) in 58 games for the Jayhawks. He was named Second Team All-Big XII in 2022.
Jason Poe is six foot one and weighs 300 pounds. The 26-year-old from Fitzgerald, Georgia, signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. In 2022, he played in three preseason games. He spent the 2022 season on the practice squad. In 2023, he played in three preseason games. The 49ers released him on August 29, 2023.
The New York Jets signed Poe on August 31, 2023. He spent most of the season on the practice squad. The Jets released him on November 6, 2023. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Poe on January 18, 2024. In 2024, Poe played in three preseason games. The Eagles released him on August 27, 2024.
Collegiately, Poe played one season at Hutchinson Community College as a fullback with five carries for 18 yards in four games for the Blue Dragons. Next, he transferred to Lenoir-Rhyne University (2018-19) playing on the offensive line in 28 games for the Bears. He was named a two-time First Team All-SAC, two-time All-American, and a two-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best blocker in the conference.
Then, he transferred to Mercer (2020-21) playing on the offensive line in 10 games for the Bears. In 2021, Mercer’s offense averaged 31.70 points per game, 209.4 rushing yards per game, 200.00 passing yards per game, 409.4 total yards per game, and 41 touchdowns finishing 7-3 for the season. He was named First Team All-SoCon in 2021.
