The Arlington Renegades are off to a rather disastrous start in the UFL. They’ve lost all five games, looking like a shell of the Championship team from a year ago. They are making some changes – bringing back DB Joe Powell, and releasing Duron Lowe.
The Arlington Renegades are re-signing DB Joe Powell, announced by his NAL team (Carolina Cobras).
Powell is a spring football staple, playing in the AAF, XFL, & CFL. He won the Championship with the @XFLRenegades last year, posting 35 tackles & 4 INT's. #UFL pic.twitter.com/NFiDgsp6yv
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 30, 2024
Joe Powell is a spring football veteran, and someone that fans know very well. Back in 2020, he was with the St. Louis Battlehawks – and was responsible for the first kickoff return touchdown in XFL history.
In 2023, Powell reunited with coaches Jonathan and Jay Hayes, this time with the Arlington Renegades. He started in eight of 10 games for Arlington that year, posting 35 tackles, four interceptions, and a PBU. Powell also handled punt returns, showcasing his versatility.
The @XFLRenegades are bringing back Safety Joe Powell according to the @CarCobras of the NAL where Powell was a WR/DB coach.
Powell started most of 2023 posting 4 interceptions and also handled return duties.
Should be a BIG help to a struggling secondary. #UFL#UFL2024 pic.twitter.com/OLAIQjHZGs
— James Baker (@JamesBakerUFL) April 30, 2024
According to PFF, Powell was the third highest graded Renegade in 2023, at 78.9.
Truthfully, the Renegades made some questionable moves this offseason. They decided to cut defensive starters – such as Joe Powell – and now they have, statistically, one of the worst defenses in the UFL. While it’s a little too late to fix everything, Joe returning is a great sign for Jay Hayes’ unit.
Duron Lowe Released
Duron Lowe was an offseason signing for Arlington. He joined the team after an NFL stint with the Los Angeles Rams.
Lowe played in four games for the Renegades this year, totaling five tackles and an interception. He finished with a Defensive Grade of 39.2, via PFF. Duron was targeted five times this year, allowing four receptions.
OSKIE! @Duron_lowe_1 with pick for a renegades Touchback the Champs momentum been going well today @XFLRenegades #TheRightCallOnSports pic.twitter.com/7VZJGByXl3
— Tarrance Johnson (@The_RightCall) March 30, 2024
The most notable catch he allowed was in their last second collapse against DC, where Lowe undercut a would-be interception, allowing Kelvin Harmon to put the Defenders into game-winning territory.
Final Thoughts
This move, if anything, feels like a last attempt at something positive for Arlington this year. Maybe GM Rick Mueller & Co. are now realizing that it would have been more reasonable to keep some of their leading defenders from a season ago.
Welcome back, Joe #RaisinHell pic.twitter.com/C9rrqWZPHF
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) May 1, 2024
Across the board, the Renegades have had very little life. Luis Perez is the only consistent player on this team. With that in mind, it isn’t surprising to see their record sit at 0-5.
Arlington will now look to find a way to get an upset win on the road, as they take on the Michigan Panthers this weekend.
What are your thoughts on Joe Powell returning to the Arlington Renegades? Should Duron Lowe have been released? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
The post Arlington Renegades Sign Joe Powell, Cut Duron Lowe appeared first on Pro Football Newsroom.