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The 2020 Newark Bulldogs Offseason Report.
Key retirements:
T Kennedy Marsh: Last year's League's Strongest Man, Marsh was a career Bulldog, landing 4th in most games started for Newark. He leaves big shoes to fill on the right side of the line. Luckily, Shane Brush looks like he's ready to step up and be a regular starter this year.
OLB Russell Hennessy: Also a career Bulldog, Hennessy was more of a backup in recent years. While he will be missed I'm sure, his retirement frees up a roster spot for some young talent.
DE Arnold Lantz: Ditto Russell Hennessy's notes.
S TJ Hanks: This retirement hurts a little more. Hanks started all 16 games for the Bulldogs in both of the last 2 seasons. His departure leaves Newark with only 2 safeties on the roster, and questions about the quality of the 2020 secondary.
UFA's of Note:
DE Chad Banks (50/50) 12th year: All Time Leader in sacks and hurries for Newark, and 2nd in blocked passes. This career Bulldog may get the franchise tag. Although it's tough to give a high salary to a 12th year player, Newark management may not want to risk him heading to free agency.
QB Wes Schultz (45/45) 10th year: This is the heir apparent to King Burger, and Newark will probably pay whatever it takes to get him back. He's been a bulldog for far too long and there's no young signal caller waiting in the wings, so look for management to be sweet talking his agent sooner rather than later.
G Phillip Garth (42/42) 12th year: The current O-line leader, and pretty good backup LG. Garth has also played his entire career in Newark and he's likely to return.
Bulldog's offseason needs:
Newark has 3 very nice coaches in place so they're likely to stand pat during staff hiring. They may try to upgrade their lead scout, but it's hard to say.
If I had to guess, DE Chad Banks will get the franchise tag from Newark and Glen Fox will be the likely candidate to train in Europe this offseason.
The Bulldogs have a few needs that they may address in free agency. There is a glaring weakness at safety which management has been trying to fix for several seasons now. They could also use some depth at a number of positions. Look for them to make some offers for the following positions:
Safety, OLB, DE, T/G, and possibly WR.
That's all for now! Check back for a free agency/draft review in the future!
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