Arizona Wolfpack Offseason Moves

[Argot]

HABICH FIRED!

Only 3 years after former Wolfpack linemen, Quentin Habich, coached his way to the best record in Wolfpack history and a Division Final, he was fired today as Arizona missed the playoffs with a team that was expected to play for a title this year. "I have nothing but good things to say about my time as a member of the Wolfpack," said Habich, "We fell behind in the division too early and just couldn't catch up. That blame falls solely on me." When Argot was asked about the move, he said, "I'm heartsick to have to let Habich go, but even he knows we underperformed this year." Argot added, "This is a crucial year for Wesley May. We felt we needed to get someone who knew how to get the most out of him. Our team isn't getting any younger, and I would rather not see the door close on May here in Arizona, the way it did with McNeil." McNeil went on to lead Vancouver to 5 straight playoff appearances, including an Imperial Bowl victory.

MAY...HE BE BETTER THIS YEAR?

Quarterback Wesley May is in the last year of his contract and has underperformed in many fans expectations. May was the #2 pick overall in 2021 and has never made it to the conference championship. Some experts have noted that May has never had enough weapons, but with May set to make over $35 Million dollars this year and even more through a possible extension, it is high time that May make his mark in Arizona.

FORMER QB PORCHER HIRED!

In order to help May develop, the Wolfpack have turned to former journeyman QB, Terrance Porcher to coach the team. Terrance was a leader in the clubhouse during his career, despite not being able to start many times. He values organizational health and will look to get the most out of this team. In addition, the Wolfpack have hired Wyatt Smith as their QB coach to work one on one with May and perhaps draft a QB in this years draft if Arizona has to part ways with May. Backups Crozier and Deering are both without contracts and are not seen as viable starters in the IFL.

FALCONE FRANCHISED!

In other news, the Wolfpack have announced the Franchising of Linebacker Winston Falcone today. Falcone struggled with injuries last season after coming off of his 3rd Pro Bowl season. Losing Falcone for several weeks is believed to be a key reason why the Wolfpack struggled early in the season as he is the centerpiece of the Arizona defense. Falcone has voiced, very strongly, his negative opinion on the subject, but also understands the business nature of the Wolfpack cap situation at the end of the year. Look for him to push for a new contract during Free Agency or possibly hold out of training camp this year. Arizona is currently $43M under the cap, with a little over half of their roster already signed.

CASTILLO MAKES THE HALL...GOES IN AS A WOLF.

Darnell Castillo was voted into the Hall of Fame by 90% of the voters. Castillo was drafted #3 overall in the 2013 draft, after which he won Offensive Rookie of the year. He played 7 years with the Wolfpack before being traded to Newark where he went on to win 2 championship rings (you see a trend here don't you?). Castillo accumulated over 15,000 yards rushing and 100 touchdowns, 2nd, only behind Ken Singleton. He also had 3062 receiving yards with at 72.6% completion percentage.

[markc]

Nice write-up. I bet May and the 'pack will have a better year in 2029. FWIW, May, Mahe and the Pistol are all 9-yr vets.

[Argot]

FALCONE SIGNS EXTENSION.

It didn't take long for the Wolfpack to sign a $61.19M deal over 3 years with LB, Winston Falcone to remain with the team. After Arizona franchised him so that he would not hit the FA market, they looked immediately to make his commitment to the team a long one. Falcone thanked the Wolfpack for the quick negotiations. Falcone will remain the leader of this defense that will face some major holes if they cannot resign DT's Presley and Stoffers as well as MLB Marcus Wells. The Wolfpack also resigned TE, Cory Wilburn to an extension. Cory was most effective in the redzone with an 85% completion rating. Arizona also resigned DT Jamal Ng, CB Steve Cadrez, and LB, Kelly Jacobs.

WHALEN RELEASED FOR CAP ROOM

In order to have wiggle room, the Wolfpack released WR, Derek Whalen. Whalen has played his entire 9 year career with the Wolfpack and leads the team in several categories, including most receptions, most TD's, and most kickoff return yards. Whalen was scheduled to make over $3M this year and next, however, his skills have been diminishing and the front office cited "business" reasons for his release. The Wolfpack also released T, Horace Lawless, LB's Leagra and Zeller, as well as G, Lawrence Spoon.

[Argot]

WOLFPACK DRAFT "THE ANOINTED"

In the first round of the 2029 IFL Draft, the Arizona Wolfpack selected Defensive End, J.C. "The Anointed" Dombranski out of Iowa as the #17 overall pick. Dombranski is 6'4 282 lbs and adds a legitimate pass rusher to the Wolfpack defense. The Arizona front office had a number of people on their list at 1.17, but with the Wolfpack losing Stoffers in Free Agency to Madison, the Defensive line became an immediate priority. There is some concern over J.C.'s ability to stop the run and will most likely swap out snaps with Billy Hampton. Dombranski will need some time to develop, and while he has the size and a ability, it is yet to be seen if he can reach his potential. Dombranski can also move inside to help at DT.

PRESLEY RE-SIGNS

Leroy Presley, re-signed with the Wolfpack, agreeing to a $55M deal over 5 years. With Stoffers gone, the Wolfpack are possibly looking at going back to a 3-4 scheme using Presley at NT where he was more successful. Backups QB, Dozier and RB, Mize were also re-signed to minor contracts. The Wolfpack have now made re-signing ILB Marcus Wells their top priority.

[Argot]

DRAFT - DAY 2

With the 18th pick of the second round, the Wolfpack drafted Guard, Neil O'Rourke, out of Michigan. O'Rourke is 6'3, 312 lbs. and will look to take over a role that has been filled by Doug Clark forever. Clark was one of the initial leaders of an offensive line that has held together throughout the rebuilding process, but has not come to terms on a new contract. The two parties appear still far apart.

ARIZONA RE-SIGNS WELLS

After getting into a bidding war, Arizona finally agreed with ILB, Marcus Wells on a $55M, 3 year deal. In order to make room, the Wolfpack were able renegotiate contracts with Cheung, Gilman, Bishop, and Stemke. The Wolfpack are still $10M under the cap but have at least 9 more players to sign.

[Argot]

DRAFT GRADE A-

Media Scouts gave the Wolfpack an A- on the 2029 Draft, yet fans are still concerned about their strength at Wide Receiver.

After selecting DE, Dombranski an OG, O'Rourke, the Wolfpack traded away their 3rd and 4th round pick to get back up into the end of the 2nd round to pick Safety, Quentin Olin from Furman. Olin is 5'11, 196 lbs and has great cover skills. Pass defense has been a weakness of the Wolfpack so Quentin should be a great pick up. He has above average speed and strength and scouts think he has good potential. Look for him to move to Free Safety and start immediately as Lynch moves to Strong Safety and Nails adds depth for 2029.

In the 3rd round, Arizona added much needed depth at Inside Linebacker selecting Samuel Starks. Starks will join Wells in 3-4 situations and is better in coverage in Nickel situations. Toby Banks was selected in the 4th round and will move to Weak Side Linebacker as a pure pass rusher. Banks has excellent pass rushing ability which has been missing since Bridges has been gone.

The 5th round saw the Wolfpack finally select a WR, named Dixon out of Kansas. Dixon shared snaps with Malachi Grant in college, but is best know for his kick return ability which is needed with Whalen's release earlier this offseason. In the 6th round, the Wolfpack selected a center to replace Rodriguez and may be the heir apparent to Gilman. Bingham was selected in the 7th round and is expected to compete either as a third TE, or to replace Reilly.

CAP ROOM?

Signing of all the rookie draft players has left the Wolfpack over $2M over the cap with an offensive lineman and quarterback yet to sign to the active required roster. Rumors are stirring over who will be cut before training camp.