Destroyers get Carolina's McNair

by Buffalo Press Release
November 30, 2001 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

Buffalo Press Release

(Buffalo, New York) The Buffalo Destroyers solved their quarterback problems in a big way as they traded for Carolina Cobras quarterback Fred McNair. The Destroyers gave up their first two picks in the Arena Football League 2002 dispersal draft for the 6-2-235lb eight year veteran. Buffalo also received Carolina's 3rd and 4th round picks along with the 32-year old McNair in the deal.

"This one dropped out of the heavens," said Destroyer head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "I had rated Fred McNair as one of the best quarterbacks in the league but he was under contract and I didn't think we could get our hands on him. He is a big, strong, experienced guy that we can build around."

"Working this deal out will help us in signing other free agents because Fred is so respected around the league. People will realize how serious the Destroyers are about winning."

An eight-year veteran of the Arena Football League, McNair has thrown for 16,598 and 291 touchdowns, which ranks eighth in league history. This past year he led the Cobras to a 7-7 record and their first ever playoff berth. McNair, the older brother of Tennessee Titan quarterback Steve McNair threw 63 touchdown passes last year and just six interceptions.

The Arena Football League will hold a dispersal draft on December 10, 2001, as the league's 16 teams will pick from the rosters of the four contracted teams. (Milwaukee, Florida, Oklahoma and Houston). The Destroyers gave up the fourth and 20th overall picks for McNair but received the 37th and 53rd in exchange.

"There are some good players in the dispersal draft but none the caliber of Fred McNair"commented Bentley. "This was too great an opportunity to pass up and I believe we can still add some depth to the team with our multiple 3rd and 4th round picks." The Destroyers also hold the 36th and 52nd overall picks.

Buffalo also signed three former AF2 players yesterday, Defensive Specialist Tyrone Laster from Richmond, OL/DL Jeremy Johnson from Wichita and OL/DL Josh McMillan from Tulsa.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 30, 2001

• Destroyers get Carolina's McNair - OSC Original by Buffalo Press Release

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