[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: 2082, a new beginning?
Let's take a deep breath because it's time to regroup.

We're down two men already, safety Jonah Harden and defensive end Arnie May retired from the game. For the last eight seasons, May was a very reliable pass rusher, a force to reckon with. 82.0 sacks in 132 games is very good, he ranks 4th all time for the Merchantmen in sacks and 7th in hurries. Harden was around in relief duty, despite 11 seasons on roster, he was basically extensively involved in only 3 seasons.

As a result of our best of the rest performance, we're picking 20th in every round, except the 7th. Well, and the third, where we also held the 19th overall pick, but which we've lost due to cap violations.

Cap violations aren't an issue going into the off-season. We've got 43 players signed with about $45M of cap space, of which about $16M is reserved for the six draft picks. With an additional first round pick in the 2083 draft, we've got a bit of ammunition to wheel and deal.

43 signed and 2 retired means we've got 8 players out of contract. A handful were undrafted rookies, the core of the situation is with quarterback Ellis McAlister, running back Walt Blair and defensive tackle Chandler Posante. All should be in the top 50 free agents list. Blair could be the hottest commodity for other teams, McAlister is best suited in Maassluis due to his familiarity with our system, but I'm sensing he's determined to try to sign elsewhere, risking to end up riding the bench or even missing out entirely due to his salary demands. Posante will find a new home, no doubt.

The league office is still tabulating which players have declared themselves eligible for the amateur draft. No doubt that quarterback, running back and perhaps wide receiver are our top needs. Although crazy enough, league scouting says we're in dire need of a safety and a defensive end. Who knows?

The market at quarterback isn't all that bad, McAlister could be just the fourth of fifth best option. Kansas' Eric Keith might get a league mandated franchise tag. Paris' Neil Poling and his 7,004 yards passing is on the market as well, as the 35-year old might be asking for the moon and the stars. Williamsburg's Rickey Nelson was a pre-season target for us, attempting to trade hold out quarterbacks up straight, but the Chicago Norsemen decided to move him to Williamsburg. Nelson is only 30 years old. Former Bordeaux #1 overall pick Ike Woodhouse is coming off a season on the bench in Orlando, but this 34-year old might not fit our offensive game plan.

Quite honestly, we have no alternatives: Karsten Muchnick is a kick holder, nothing else, while restricted free agent Frank Graul is highly touted by the league scouts, but he's so green... We'll certainly bring Graul to camp, if he's willing to sign with us. We'll have to go out there and find a true quarterback. A Bennett Morris scenario would be ideal, but it'll require some cap magic to find the required cap space...

Cap magic, that's right up our alley. We can do that.