The D.C. Defenders released linebacker Durrell Johnson on Saturday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Durrell Johnson is six foot three and weighs 240 pounds. The 27-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, was drafted by the D.C. Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft. In 2026, Johnson made six tackles (4 solos, 2 assists), two tackles for loss, half a sack, and one pass breakup in four games.
The Dallas Cowboys signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he made one tackle (1 solo) in three preseason games. He spent the season on the practice squad.
In 2024, Johnson made two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) and one pass breakup in two preseason games. He suffered an injury and did not play in the final preseason game. The Cowboys released him on October 15, 2024.
The Arlington Renegades signed Johnson on December 27, 2024. In 2025, he made five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist), three tackles for loss, one sack, and one sack in three games.
Collegiately, Johnson played two seasons at ASA College in Brooklyn (NY) (2018-19) with 59 tackles (37 solos, 22 assists), 28 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups in 15 games for the Avengers. He was named a two-time First Team All-NJCAA and a JUCO All-American.
Then, Johnson transferred to Liberty (2020-22) with 114 tackles (76 solos, 38 assists), 40.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, two interceptions for 18 yards, 8 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 31 games for the Flames. He was named First Team All-State by VaSID.
