[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen release Nadell
Dennis Nadell has been released by the Maassluis Merchantman. The 11th season former undrafted wide receiver was cut after his least productive season to date. Nadell is a three-time 1,000-yard receiver, twice being the leading receiver for the Merchantmen.

"A tough decision," said Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B., "but the cap situation forced our hand to release a couple of players and Dennis Nadell today became the victim." Nadell was due a $7,29M salary this season, while the Merchantmen were just barely under the cap after a spree of renegotiations. After a season with just 6 receptions for 140 yards, it was a tough, but fair decision.

Nadell joined the Merchantmen shortly before training camp 2074 as a 20-year old undrafted rookie free agent. He won a roster spot in a crowded receivers group including 4 former 1,000-yard receivers. Mid-season, he was promoted from an inactive roster filler to the WR3 role, playing next to eventual Hall of Famer J.R. Mills. From there on, Nadell was a starter on the Merchantmen, improving to WR2 duties in 2079 ahead of former first round pick Brody Stevens. In 2080, after Mills retired, Nadell became the WR1 ahead of Stevens. In 2082, Theodore Bondy entered the scene, jumping in as the WR1 from his first day in the league. Nadell quickly started losing targets, despite on paper still being the WR2. Last season, Nadell's role was back to WR3 duties, on an offense featuring much less Three-receiver formations, while mentoring the amazingly talented Bondy.

Unless Nadell returns at some point, he'll walk away with 414 receptions for 6,401 yards and 38 touchdowns. His 15,46 yards per reception is second best amongst long-term starting receivers, only trailing to his longtime teammate J.R. Mills. Nadell is only the sixth undrafted rookie signing by the Merchantmen to start 100 or more games for them and only the fourth of those to be on roster for 10 or more seasons.

Nadell's ability to get open is widely recognized as one of the best in the league, even after 10 seasons. Opposite J.R. Mills, Nadell drew a lot of double coverage with his skills, helping Mills to have that Hall of Fame worthy career. His skills may have been underutilized the last couple of seasons opposite Bondy, but Nadell never complained about lack of playing time. Given his unique skill set, he should have no trouble finding a new home for the 2084 season.