The D.C. Defenders released offensive lineman Adrian Ealy on Wednesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Adrian Ealy is six foot six and weighs 321 pounds. The 26-year-old from Gonzales, Louisiana, was drafted by the D.C. Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft. He was inactive when the Defenders took on the St. Louis Battlehawks last Saturday.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Ealy as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2021. He also had stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons on October 23, 2023. However, the Sea Dragons were not included in the XFL and USFL merger that formed the United Football League (UFL).
The Arlington Renegades drafted Ealy in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. In 2024, Ealy played nine games, of which six were starts. Arlington’s offense ranked second in total yards (3,119), passing yards (2,277), yards per game (311.9), sixth in rushing (842), and tied third for touchdowns (27).
The Renegades re-signed Ealy on September 27, 2024. In 2025, Ealy started seven games. Arlington averaged 22.9 points per game, 322.1 total yards per game, 230 yards per game, 92.1 rushing yards per game, and allowed 23 sacks, finishing 5-5 for the season.
Collegiately, Ealy played three seasons at Oklahoma (2018-20), playing right tackle and left tackle in 28 games, of which 23 were starts for the Sooners. He was named a two-time Second Team All-Big 12. In 2020, he allowed three sacks on 421 pass plays according to PFF.
