The D.C. Defenders released wide receiver Cornell Powell on Tuesday. Powell is signing with the Houston Texans.
Cornell Powell is six foot and weighs 204 pounds. The 27-year-old from Greenville, North Carolina, signed with the D.C. Defenders on March 3, 2025. In 2025, he made 29 catches for 418 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.
In the playoffs, he made six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown in two games helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Powell in the fifth round (181st pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Kansas City making 24 catches for 252 yards, three touchdowns, and four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) in 12 preseason games. During his time in Kansas City, he spent time on and off the practice squad. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion.
The Chiefs released him on November 19, 2024. The Seattle Seahawks signed Powell on November 26, 2024. Powell re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on January 7, 2025, and was released on February 21, 2025.
Collegiately, Powell played four seasons at Clemson (2016-20) making 93 catches for 1,211 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight kick returns for 171 yards in 54 games for the Tigers. He is a two-time CFP National Champion and was named Third Team All-ACC in 2020.
