[MIJB#19]

2041 Off-Season

Retirements
Nothing noteworthy happened in the retirement area. Linebacker Harvey Christman retired, but he joined the Merchantmen as an early season injury fill-in.

Free Agency
It was a busy pre-draft free agency in Maassluis. The Merchantmen kicked it off by franchising defensive tackle Dwight Hutton and quickly signing him to a new five-year contract.

Iowa Cobbers backup Quarterback Skip Perron signed a three-year deal with the Merchantmen. Perron has a strong arm, can adjust when the pressure is on and uses his feet quite often. Perron is a former third round pick, but aside from his underwhelming rookie campaign didn't start a single game.

Third-year cornerback Marc Pomato was acquired through trade from the Minnesota Miners for a future first round pick. Pomato is a former first round pick and started all gimers for the Miners last season, but was underwhelming with just 1 interception and 6 defended passes.

Kicker Charles Anthony decided to stay in Maassluis, signing a new three year contract. Anthony didn't receive any offers from other team, but the Merchantmen were happy to return the most accurate kicker of last season, despite entering his 16th season.

Quarterback Perry Coleman became the biggest free agency fish. Coleman was the full-time starter with the Iowa Cobbers last season, completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,367 yards, 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Coleman is entering his 13th season and last season was his first in five year to play a full season. Coleman is all around a quality quarterback, considered about top15 talent wise.

Guard Blaine Sulfsted signed as a free agent from the Chesapeake Chitterlings. Sulfsted spent 10 injury-plagued seasons with the Chitterlings, managing to play only three full seasons. He's all around talented, excelling as a run blocker and lacking a bit in stamina.

Former Chicago Norsemen defensive end Quentin Toohil joins an already strong defensive line. Veteran Toohil wil bolster the pass rush. He hopes to improve his playing time after a season of riding mostly the bench.

Defensive tackle Dennis Lucas signed a four-year contract in Maassluis. He leaves the Oakland Black Panthers after his three-year rookie contract ended. Lucas is said to be one of the fastest players at his position and has yet to miss a game in his pro career.

Linebacker Lester Gilman inked a three-year contract. In his third season with the Colorado Cutthroats he broke into the starting lineup. Gilman is a weakside linebacker, with all around decent to excellent skills. He should fit well in both the pass defense and run defense.

Draft
Ah yes, the draft. The Merchantmen were low on picks, both due to trades in the previous off-season and due to trades this off-season to get future picks in return. They kept their third and fourth round picks, selecting workout warrior kicker Karl Segalas and fast defensive tackle Harold Gallery.