Post by MOnarchsRule on Mar 3, 2007 20:24:48 GMT -5
AP - KANSAS CITY -- Less than 2 minutes after the midnight FA deadline, the Monarchs moved fast to lure NFL talent to the XFL. How fast, you say? Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin signed with the Kansas City Monarchs on Friday, making him the third free agent in less than a day to bolster the XFL's stingiest defense last season. Franklin spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he played for Monarchs coach Donnie Henderson as a defensive coach his rookie year. Though Franklin has just one sack and 40 tackles in his four-year career, Henderson believes he can be a regular in the Monarchs' rotation on the defensive line.
Also on Friday, Kansas City signed former Dallas Cowboy offensive tackle Marc Colombo to an multi-year contract, then signed former New England punter Todd Sauerbrun to a three-year deal.
All three players should be significant upgrades for a team that allowed an XFL-best 202 points last season, leading to Henderson being named Coach of the Year. When asked about the signings, he said, "Last year was last year. We have raised the bar for this season. The guys know their target this year we will do what it takes to get there." Owner/GM Sean Calliard had this to say,"I'm pleased that we made the playoffs and were tied for the best overall record, but I have believe that if the Chi/KC game was in our buildling, the results would be different. We plan to prove that on opening weekend."
To offset these moves, the Monarchs released: QB Josh Harris, WR Martin Nance, OT Adrian Jones, OG Ryan Lilja, DT Mario Fatefehi, DT Keyonta Marshall, LB Jamar Enzor, CB Antwaun Rogers, and P Sean Landeta.
Also on Friday, Kansas City signed former Dallas Cowboy offensive tackle Marc Colombo to an multi-year contract, then signed former New England punter Todd Sauerbrun to a three-year deal.
All three players should be significant upgrades for a team that allowed an XFL-best 202 points last season, leading to Henderson being named Coach of the Year. When asked about the signings, he said, "Last year was last year. We have raised the bar for this season. The guys know their target this year we will do what it takes to get there." Owner/GM Sean Calliard had this to say,"I'm pleased that we made the playoffs and were tied for the best overall record, but I have believe that if the Chi/KC game was in our buildling, the results would be different. We plan to prove that on opening weekend."
To offset these moves, the Monarchs released: QB Josh Harris, WR Martin Nance, OT Adrian Jones, OG Ryan Lilja, DT Mario Fatefehi, DT Keyonta Marshall, LB Jamar Enzor, CB Antwaun Rogers, and P Sean Landeta.