After a few workouts with NFL teams, DC Defenders WR Cornell Powell is back in the big leagues. The Houston Texans are signing Powell to the roster, following his workout yesterday, a source confirms to Pro Football Newsroom.
Cornell Powell was another NFL veteran who joined the DC Defenders this past offseason. He was a tremendous pickup by GM Von Hutchins, and played a key role in bringing the Defenders their first Championship title in franchise history.
Powell started out a little slow, but quickly turned into a go to target for Jordan Ta’amu. Powell racked up 418 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during the UFL’s regular season – leading all wide receivers in scores.
Former #Chiefs draft pick Cornell Powell is making his case for an NFL return:
418 Receiving Yards (7th)
7 TD (1st) @CornellPowell14 has been a reliable target for projected #UFL MVP, Jordan Ta’amu, all season long.
Absolutely should be in an NFL camp this summer. pic.twitter.com/0OOgELNVkH
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 26, 2025
Cornell continued to produce in the playoffs, recording 83 yards and a score as the Defenders rolled over St. Louis and Michigan en route to their Championship victory.
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Powell is no stranger to the NFL. The former 5th round draft pick with the Chiefs spent a few years in Kansas City, earning a couple of Super Bowl rings along the way as he was primarily on the team’s practice squad.
Now, Cornell is headed back to the NFL – this time with the Houston Texans. He earned a few NFL workouts this summer, with the Saints, 49ers, and Browns.
Powell is the 9th DC Defenders player to sign with an NFL team this offseason. He joins former Roughnecks DB Damon Arnette in Houston. Without the national platform that the UFL provided him with, who knows if this would have been made possible. You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Cornell Powell signing with Houston? Which Defenders player should sign to the NFL next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
