The D.C. Defenders re-signed defensive tackle Dennis Johnson and defensive back Bryce Thompson on Monday according to James Larsen.
Dennis Johnson is six foot two and weighs 292 pounds. The 27-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, re-signed with the D.C. Defenders on October 3, 2024. In 2025, he made seven tackles (2 solos, 5 assists) in nine games. He did not see action in the playoffs when the Defenders won the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
The D.C. Defenders signed Johnson on August 9, 2023. In 2024, Johnson made 14 tackles (8 solos, 6 assists), two tackles for loss, and one pass breakup in nine games.
Collegiately, Johnson played four seasons at Grand Valley State (2017-19, 2021) with 42 tackles (12 solos, 30 assists), 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 38 games for the Lakers. He was named First Team All-GLIAC and GVSU Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2021.
Bryce Thompson is five foot eleven and weighs 182 pounds. The 26-year-old from Irmo, South Carolina, was acquired from the San Antonio Brahmas on November 14, 2024.
In 2025, he made 21 tackles, 9 assists), four tackles for loss, one sack, and three pass breakups in nine games. In the playoffs, Thompson made six tackles (5 solos, 1 assist) and one pass breakup, helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
Thompson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. He played two seasons in New Orleans, making two tackles (2 assists) in eight games. The Saints released him on November 21, 2022.
Next, Thompson signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons (XFL) on January 23, 2023. In 2023, he made 34 tackles (21 solos, 13 assists), four tackles for loss, one interception, half a sack, and nine pass breakups in 10 games.
The San Antonio Brahmas signed Thompson on December 26, 2023. In 2024, he made 30 tackles (19 solos, 11 assists), two tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble in eight games.
In the 2024 UFL playoffs, Thompson made six tackles (4 solos, 2 assists) and one tackle for loss, helping the Brahmas reach the UFL Championship game. The Brahmas re-signed Thompson on November 13, 2024.
Collegiately, Thompson played three seasons at Tennessee (2018-20) with 102 tackles (73 solos, 29 assists), eight tackles for loss, two sacks, eight interceptions for 91 yards, one touchdown, 19 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and five kick returns for 96 yards in 32 games for the Volunteers.
