[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen expand training camp roster to 64
The Maassluis Merchantmen signed 11 players to a one-year contract, increasing their roster for training camp to 64 players. Most prominent was the re-signing of defensive tackle A.J. Ritt, bringing him back for a 9th season in Maassluis. Fullback Tracy Rhodes and running back Patrick Joseph also return, having been part of the 2091 training camp and pre-season roster, signing a late season contract and now at least getting a spot for camp. Seven undrafted rookies were signed: quarterback Donald Bauer, quarterback Nathaniel Ellison, running back Seth Moore, wide receiver/punt returner Mark Perkins, defensive end Lewis Shanks, defensive tackle Cole Gunn and long snapper Johnny Terrell. Odds are most of these undrafted rookies won't make the final 53-men roster and some will be released before pre-season action ensues.

The 11th signing was veteran tight end Jessie Taylor, who previously wore the orange-white-and-blue between 2085 and 2087, playing his second through fourth seasons in his career in Maassluis, the last two as a full time starter, playing in 7 playoffs games in that tenure. Taylor has been a career backup ever since, playing in the IHOF Bowl with the Gothenburg Giants in the 2088 season, then spending two seasons on the bench of the Colorado Cutthroats and spending the entire 2091 season on his own couch, but apparently expecting a return to the IHOF somewhere in the 2092 off-season.

The Merchantmen didn't re-sign guard Marvin Silvan, which seems to be the biggest surprise this off-season as he stepped in last season and played admirably well amidst the talented offensive line. Silvan remains to be a free agent. The same applies to tight end Sherman Bridges and center Jared Labbe (both unwilling to re-sign in Maassluis), left tackle Myron Hamilton and linebacker Van Bertolone. Silvan appears to be the most likely candidate to end up on a training camp roster somewhere in the league.