Roster moves: Teams prepare for the final stretch

The European League of Football’s signing deadline has passed, and teams made their final moves to strengthen their rosters for the rest of the 2025 season. With just four games left in the regular season, every team is getting ready for the playoff race - or simply trying to finish the year strong. Let’s look at the biggest roster changes after Week 9.

North Division

Berlin Thunder

Berlin Thunder released American defensive players Will Lydle and London Harris right before their game against the Cologne Centurions. To fill the gaps, they signed defensive end Mike Taylor III, a veteran lineman, and American defensive back Shane Deshotel, who can also play as a wide receiver. Deshotel last played for the Minden Wolves in Germany’s third league.

Nordic Storm

Nordic Storm strengthened their defense by signing linebacker Sverri Finsson. Finsson played seven games last season for the Cologne Centurions, recording 27 tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack.

East Division

Fehérvár Enthroners

After quarterback Brock Domann suffered a season-ending injury and left the team, the Enthroners signed American QB Brett James Pullmann. Pullmann last played for Bentley University, where he threw for 2,739 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2024.

Vienna Vikings

The Vienna Vikings made several moves before the deadline. Offensive tackle Aleksandar Milanovic, the ELF’s 2024 "Man of Honor", returns from retirement. Linebacker Leon Balogh also rejoins the team; he recorded 19 tackles, five tackles for loss, and five sacks in just five games previously. To make space, Vienna released American defensive back Devin Taylor and Finnish player Viljo Lempinen. For the two departing players, the Vikings have activated both defensive back Amani Dennis and Elmeri Laalo from the injured reserve list.

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South Division

Helvetic Mercenaries

The Helvetic Mercenaries keep rebuilding their squad. They signed Dutch offensive lineman Tyrone Brown, who has experience in the German Football League with the Paderborn Dolphins. On defense, they added Italian defensive end Ernest Egbuche to boost their pass rush.

Madrid Bravos

The Bravos made some late changes before the deadline. They activated young running back Justus Seelig from injured reserve and released Andy Owosu to make room. Seelig was an important big-play threat earlier this season. Meanwhile, American defensive back Dy’Vonne Inyang went onto injured reserve, and the Bravos brought in Cam’ron Jvahe Kelly, who played college football at North Carolina, Louisville, and Virginia.

Munich Ravens

The Munich Ravens added more experience to their strong defense by signing German defensive tackle Denis Butz. Butz played in the ELF for the past three seasons with the Raiders Tirol and Frankfurt Galaxy. Although he initially signed with Hamburg Sea Devils this year, he didn’t play there and now joins the Ravens, who are aiming for a championship.

West Division

Cologne Centurions

The Centurions made significant changes for the season’s final stretch. They released American quarterback Keegan McCormack Reamer, who had mostly been a backup. His replacement will be quarterback Norman Douglas, who played college football at Jackson State and Edward Waters University and most recently with the Prague Black Panthers.

Stuttgart Surge

Stuttgart Surge added two new European import players for the playoff push. Italian wide receiver Jordan Bouah joins after starting the season with Rhein Fire but suffering an early injury. He hopes to bounce back with Stuttgart. The Surge also strengthened their defensive backfield with Kenny Floret, who was previously with the Paris Musketeers but didn’t see action this season.

The race heats up

With these new additions, teams are hoping to fix weaknesses, replace injured players, or add depth for the critical weeks ahead. The playoff race in the ELF has never been so open, and every roster move could make a big difference. Fans should get ready - the final stretch of the regular season promises plenty of excitement!

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