AFL free agency frenzy begins
Published on October 30, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The 2008 AFL Free Agency period began at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, October 29, and the free agency frenzy is already in full swing.
Fifteen players have signed free agent contracts over the course of the first 24-hour period with seven prolific AFL players agreeing to terms with their respective new teams.
The Central Division Champion Chicago Rush today introduced their newest additions in 14-year veteran QB SHERDRICK BONNER, formerly of the Arizona Rattlers, and two-time Offensive Player of the Year (2005, 2006) WR DAMIAN HARRELL, who spent the past five seasons with Central Division rival Colorado.
Bonner, voted the eighth greatest player in AFL history, stands second in all-time touchdown passes (829), and sits third in passing yards (40,979), attempts (5,268) and completions (3,261). He is also tied for first for most seasons with 2,000-or-more passing yards (12). Bonner holds numerous post season marks, such as touchdown passes (127), passing yards (6,761), attempts (882), and completions (540).
Harrell currently stands second all-time in receiving touchdowns (295), third in receiving yards (11,881), and fourth in receptions (893) after nine AFL seasons.
2005 ADT Defensive Player of the Year and Lineman of the Year DL SILAS DEMARY, formerly of the Los Angeles Avengers and eight-year veteran QB RAYMOND PHILYAW, who spent the 2007 season with the Kansas City Brigade, were both introduced in Cleveland as the first major signings under the guidance of new team President BERNIE KOSAR. Demary earned All-Arena Second Team honors after leading the Avengers with 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Philyaw propelled the Brigade to a 10-6 record and the team's first playoff appearance in its second season by completing 371-of-538 passes for 4,338 yards and 85 touchdowns.
National Conference Champion Columbus Destroyers have signed WR/DB DEREK LEE, formerly of the Georgia Force. Lee, now entering his fourth season, is reunited with QB MATT NAGY. The duo teamed together in 2005, taking the Force to its first ArenaBowl appearance in ArenaBowl XIX. Lee set career-highs in 2006 with 127 receptions for 1,427 yards with 26 touchdowns, earning him All-Arena First Team and All-Ironman honors.
2007 All-Arena First Team selection OL/DL KEN JONES has signed with the Los Angeles Avengers, following three seasons with the Columbus Destroyers. Jones led the Destroyers with 13.0 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks with four forced fumbles.
The New Orleans VooDoo have signed WR DERRICK LEWIS, who in 2006 amassed the second-most rookie receiving yards in a single-season with 1,411 while leading the Austin Wranglers to a 10-6 record and the teams only playoff appearance.
WR JIMMY FRYZEL returns to Orlando for his fourth season with the Predators. Fryzel registered 55 receptions for 581 yards with eight touchdowns 2007.
Following is a list of players who have filed new free-agent contracts with the AFL League office as of Noon ET on October 30, 2007.
PLAYER POS. 2007 TEAM 2008 TEAM Frank Carter FB/LB Utah Blaze San Jose SaberCats
Anthony Dunn OL/DL Colorado Crush Philadelphia Soul
Jimmy Fryzel WR Orlando Predators Orlando Predators
Wendall Gaines OL/DL Arizona Rattlers Arizona Rattlers
Johnnie Harris DB Grand Rapids Rampage Dallas Desperados
Remy Hamilton K Los Angeles Avengers Dallas Desperados
Brandon Hefflin DB Columbus Destroyers Cleveland AFL
Ken Jones OL/DL Columbus Destroyers Los Angeles Avengers
Derek Lee WR/DB Georgia Force Columbus Destroyers
Derrick Lewis WR Austin Wranglers New Orleans VooDoo
Chris Robinson FB/LB Utah Blaze Arizona Rattlers
Jason Stewart OL/DL Los Angeles Avengers Los Angeles Avengers
Eric Thomas OL/DL Austin Wranglers Arizona Rattlers
Isaiah Trufant DB Kansas City Brigade Arizona Rattlers
Jason Witczak K Nashville Kats Arizona Rattlers
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 30, 2007
- SaberCats ink free agent Frank Carter - San Jose SaberCats
- Avengers sign AFL all-purpose leader Timon Marshall - Los Angeles Avengers
- Rattlers guarantee season ticket holders the playoffsâ¦or their money back - Arizona Rattlers
- AFL free agency frenzy begins - AFL I
- Storm sign wide receiver Tyrone Timmons - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rush signs two of AFL's all-time greats - Chicago Rush
- Columbus Destroyers Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Derek Lee - Columbus Destroyers
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