[MIJB#19]

Antonio Battle signed with Gothenburg Giants
Two-time All-IHOF linebacker Antonio Battle continues his IHOF career in Europe after signing with the Gothenburg Giants. The former Maassluis Merchantmen key player signed with the Giants shortly after training camp, just in time to join them for 2081 pre-season action. Battle signed a $22M one-year contract, making him the fifth highest played player on roster. Of course, it's far less than what Battle was due in Maassluis (a $35.5M base salary, with a $37.7M cap hit due to the signing bonus) and nowhere near the $107M 3-year contract the Merchantmen saw Battle decline.

Walt Blair denies Merchantmen again, talks continue
Contract negotiations between the Maassluis Merchantmen and running back Walt Blair are still in progress. Blair turned down a $47.5M two-year contract shortly before pre-season activity kicked off. Blair's demands have changed to a three-year contract, which the Merchantmen management reportedly is willing to work along with. Merchantmen GM M.IJ.B. said getting Blair to show and dress up is a top priority this pre-season, but the Merchantmen will have to offer Blair something different as the team simply can't get the cap room available for desired $15.3M salary with a $14.8M bonus, as it would increase his cap figure by $14.75M, while there's only $9.55M available.

Chandler Posante unlikely to play in 2081
Defensive tackle Chandler Posante and the Maassluis Merchantmen management are unlikely to come to terms before the regular season kicks off. "Imposante" turned down a $79M four-year contract after training camp and the Merchantmen have reportedly decided to put talks on hold until the situation with Walt Blair is resolved. The Merchantmen keep the options open for Posante to end his hold out and walk away as a free agent after the 2081 season. His name hasn't been thrown around as available for trade, but that could be an alternative route.

Merchantmen announce pre-season cuts
The Maassluis Merchantmen today announced the release of rookie punter Roosevelt Shaw and second-year quarterback Josiah Lyle. Shaw was unable to unseat Tito Hornsby, one of the elite punters in the league. Lyle lost the roster spot battle to undrafted rookie Frank Graul. This move means the Merchantmen go into the last two pre-season games with 53 players on roster, including hold outs Walt Blair and Chandler Posante.