The D.C. Defenders have added veteran DT Gabe Wright to their active roster. Less than two weeks before the team kicks off their XFL campaign Sunday, February 19th, at Audi Field against the Seattle Sea Dragons.
The latest pickup by D.C. comes as XFL teams prepare for final roster cuts this Thursday. Some teams have begun that process already. The Defenders currently have 71 players on their active roster, and teams are supposed to cut down to 51 later this week.
D.C. Defenders Sign Veteran DT Gabe Wright
Well-traveled veteran defensive tackle Gabe Wright returns to the XFL three years after being one of the league’s best interior defenders with the Houston Roughnecks in 2020.
The Detroit Lions drafted the Auburn standout in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Wright has been with seven different NFL teams throughout his pro career. The athletic 305lb Wright most recently spent time with another pro team in the District, the Commanders.
Gabe Wright has experience playing on multiple defensive fronts. With D.C. expected to play both the 3-4 and 4-3, Wright is a perfect fit for the Defenders. The 30-year-old had a brief stint with Defenders defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Cleveland with the Browns. That experience can be helpful in the quick transition.
Wright joins recent Defenders signee DT Caruan Reid in the trenches, another veteran with an NFL draft pedigree and playing experience. The veteran duo can greatly assist D.C.’s young defense as leaders on the field and in the locker room.
D.C. Director of Player Personnel Von Hutchins has added several veteran players who fit the same profile as Gabe Wright recently. Despite the countdown to final cuts looming, there’s a strong possibility that the Defenders are not done making last-second acquisitions. Even after the final stage of training camp is complete.
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