Goodbye, Hello (1/30/26)

Goodbye

Orlando

Kole Taylor, TE: The Storm are having a hell of a time keeping tight ends. They took four in the free agent draft and, with Taylor leaving, only one remains (Konnor Fox). Like the others, Kole Taylor was a 2025 graduate. He played sparingly at LSU, but broke out once he transferred to West Virginia for his final two seasons. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, but was cut before the preseason began.

Hello

Columbus

Rashard Davis, WR: A journeyman of the NFL, CFL, and UFL, Davis returned after a two year hiatus from the sport. His most productive year came in 2022 with the USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits where he hauled in 22 catches for 369 yards. He returned in 2023 with the Memphis Showboats, but wasn’t able to replicate the same success. The Aviators wide receiver room isn’t exactly crowded, so it wouldn’t be wild for veteran experience to turn into a roster spot.

Fred Thompkins, LB: Based on his college stats, Thompkins appears to be the kind of linebacker good at stopping the run and harassing wide receivers. While at UNLV in 2022-23 he notched 119 tackles, 2 sacks, and a 47-yard pick six.

DC

Gareon Conley, CB: When Conley was signed by DC in 2024, it was a very big deal for the league. The Defenders got a former NFL 1st round draft pick who seemed set to revitalize his career. Over 7 games he snagged 2 interceptions, which was enough for the Dallas Cowboys to come calling only two days after the season ended. Shockingly, the Cowboys cut him after a month and Conley announced his retirement. A retirement that just ended. It has been two years since he played, but it’s nonetheless exciting to see if Conley can still play.

Derek Parish, DE: In 2023, Parish was a 7th round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent the season on the practice squad. Rather than stick around and hope for a promotion, Parish left the Jags and signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. Since going north of the border he earned a starting role with the team and compiled 55 tackles and 11 sacks. Seeing as how the Argos released him four days ago, it looks a lot like Parish chose the UFL over a guaranteed extension with the CFL.