In a surprise piece of UFL news this week, former DC Defenders star wideout Cornell Powell has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Tuesday, he was added to the team’s practice squad, alongside Anthony Goodlow.
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.
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.
This past preseason, Cornell Powell signed to the Houston Texans – playing in one game. He led the team in receiving yards during week three of the preseason, but was let go after a short stint on their practice squad.
Now, Powell will bring a veteran presence to Pittsburgh. With some of the turnover the team has already seen offensively due to injuries – don’t be surprised if he gets elevated at some point this year.
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 the Steelers? Which Defenders player should sign to the NFL next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
