The D.C. Defenders signed offensive lineman Badara Traore, defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols, and defensive back Michael Ojemudia on Thursday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Badara Traore is six foot seven and weighs 320 pounds. The 27-year-old from Hyde Park, Massachusetts, signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2020. He also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and the Carolina Panthers playing two regular season games.
Collegiately, Traore started at Nassau Community College in 2015 but did not play a game for the Lions. Next, he transferred to ASA Brooklyn College (2016-17) playing six games for the Avengers where he was named First Team All-NJCAA. Then, he transferred to LSU (2018-19) playing right tackle in 26 games for the Tigers.
In 2019, LSU averaged 48.4 points per game, 166.8 rushing yards per game, 401.6 passing yards per game, 568.4 total yards per game, 93 touchdowns, and allowed 35 sacks finishing 15-0 and beating Clemson in the CFP National Championship Game.
Rayshad Nichols is six foot two and weighs 305 pounds. The 26-year-old from Bridge City, Louisiana, signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022. In 2022, he made 12 tackles (6 solos, 6 assists), and half a sack in three preseason games.
He played in one regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers making four tackles (1 solo, 3 assists). In 2023, Nichols made eight tackles (6 solos, 2 assists) in three preseason games. The Ravens released him on July 31, 2024.
Collegiately, Nichols played four seasons at Stephen F. Austin (2018-21) making 123 tackles (55 solos, 68 assists), 28 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, one pass breakup, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one touchdown in 39 games for the Lumberjacks.
Michael Ojemudia is six foot one and weighs 200 pounds. The 27-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round (77th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played three seasons in Denver making 73 tackles (63 solos, 10 assists), one tackle for loss, eight pass breakups, and four forced fumbles in 21 games, of which 12 were starts.
The Broncos released him on December 22, 2022. The Chicago Bears acquired him via waivers on December 28, 2022. He played one regular season game recording no stats. In 2023, Ojemudia made nine tackles (7 solos, 2 assists), and four pass breakups in three preseason games. The Bears released him on August 29, 2023.
Ojemudia signed with the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, 2023, and spent the season on the practice squad. He became a free agent after the 2023 season. The Arizona Cardinals signed Ojemudia on January 30, 2024. In 2024, he made three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) in three preseason games. The Cardinals released him on August 26, 2024.
Collegiately, Ojemudia played four seasons at Iowa (2016-19) making 125 tackles (87 solos, 38 assists), two tackles for loss, 23 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and six interceptions for 50 yards in 51 games for the Hawkeyes.
