The D.C. Defenders re-signed linebacker Brian Abraham and defensive back Deontay Anderson on Monday according to James Larsen.
Brian Abraham is six foot five and weighs 221 pounds. The 25-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts, attended the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp in 2024. The D.C. Defenders signed Abraham on December 9, 2024. In 2025, he made seven tackles (4 solos, 3 assists) and two tackles for loss in seven games.
Collegiately, Abraham played four seasons at Yale (2018-19, 2021-22) with 31 tackles (22 solos, 9 assists), two tackles for loss, and one pass breakup in 30 games for the Bulldogs.
Then, he transferred to the University of Albany in 2023 with 36 tackles (21 solos, 15 assists), 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown in 12 games for the Great Danes. He had a season-high seven tackles against Richmond in 2023.
Deontay Anderson is six foot and weighs 218 pounds. The 27-year-old from Houston, Texas, re-signed with the Defenders on October 1, 2024. In 2025, Anderson made 40 tackles (24 solos, 16 assists), one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups in nine games. In the playoffs, he made six tackles (2 solos, 6 assists), one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup, helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
The Vegas Vipers (XFL) drafted Anderson in the ninth round (72nd pick) in Phase 2 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, Anderson made 52 tackles (31 solos, 21 assists), three tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception for 22 yards in 10 games.
The D.C. Defenders drafted Anderson in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. In 2024, Anderson made 21 tackles (14 solo, 7 assists), one tackle for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup in nine games.
Collegiately, Anderson played one season at Ole Miss in 2017 with 32 tackles (18 solos, 14 assists), 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception for eight yards, and one pass breakup in 12 games for the Rebels.
Then, Anderson transferred to Houston (2018-21) with 209 tackles (124 solos, 85 assists), 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception for eight yards, 20 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 44 games for the Cougars.
