The D.C. Defenders released linebacker Anthony Hines III on Sunday as he is signing with an NFL Team according to the UFL Transactions page. Hines worked out for the New York Jets on Sunday according to Aaron Wilson. The Defenders will retain Hines III’s rights should he return to the UFL.
Anthony Hines III is six foot three and weighs 226 pounds. The 25-year-old from Plano, Texas, made 65 tackles (40 solo, 25 assists) and five tackles for loss for 10 games for the D.C. Defenders in 2024.
Hines III signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. He also spent time with the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams. The Defenders drafted Hines III in the fifth round (37th pick) in Phase 3 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, Hines III made 33 tackles (19 solo, 14 assists), three tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack in nine games.
Collegiately, Hines III played three seasons at Texas A&M (2017-19) making 106 tackles (58 solo, 48 assists), 16.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 27 games for the Aggies. He was named the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2017 after making 33 tackles (19 solo, 14 assists), six tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 13 games.
