The D.C. Defenders released wide receiver Joshua Matthews and defensive back Josh Proctor on Monday according to Pro Football Newsroom reporter James Larsen.
Joshua Matthews is six foot two and weighs 184 pounds. The 26-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, re-signed with the D.C. Defenders on April 18, 2025. Matthews was on the inactive list and did not play for the Defenders in 2025.
Matthews went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. The D.C. Defenders signed Matthews on December 5, 2024. He attended training camp and was released on March 20, 2025.
Collegiately, Matthews played two seasons at Louisiana Tech (2018-19) making one catch for 36 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 16 games for the Bulldogs. Then, he transferred to McNeese State (2020-22) making 85 catches for 1,129 yards, 9 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 29 games for the Cowboys. In 2022, he made 17 catches for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 11 games. He was named Third Team All-Southland Conference in 2021.
Josh Proctor is six foot one and weighs 199 pounds. The 26-year-old from Owasso, Oklahoma, signed with the D.C. Defenders on April 9, 2025. In 2025, Proctor made five tackles (3 solos, 2 assists), one interception, and one pass breakup in five games.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Proctor as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he played three preseason games recording no stats. The Jaguars released him on August 27, 2024.
The D.C. Defenders signed Proctor on December 5, 2024. He attended training camp before the Defenders released him on March 20, 2025.
Collegiately, Proctor played six seasons at Ohio State (2018-23) making 112 tackles (75 solos, 37 assists), 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions for 24 yards, one touchdown, 17 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 53 games for the Buckeyes.
