Ex-Steelers Running Back Signs with UFL Team

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Darius Hagans is signing with the DC Defenders of the UFL, the league announced on Monday.

A rookie undrafted free agent out of Virginia State, Hagans signed with the team on June 5 after first agreeing to a contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

He played in all three of the Steelers’ preseason games, getting the most playing time in the first game against Tampa Bay, when he played 12 snaps. He got three snaps against Buffalo and seven against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, per PFF.

Hagans finished the preseason with 12 carries for 30 yards — a 2.5 yards per carry average. He also had two catches for negative-four yards. And Hagans could not crack the practice squad or the final roster.

As a senior at Virginia State, Hagans appeared in 10 games for the Trojans. He accumulated a career-high 189 carries for 1,012 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Hagans caught 17 passes for 135 receiving yards in 2022.

Following the season, Hagans earned a first-team All-CIAA selection as he ranked second in the conference in carries, rushing yards, and rushing yards per game (101.2).

Hagans played in the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl Game and participated in the 2023 HBCU Combine that was set up to help further the HBCU players’ reach and publicity.