Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Late Free Agency: Drunken Sailors Take the L

Several USFL/WFL owners were not shy about spending money during late free agency as the league draws closer to the opening of its first season.

When Cleveland owner Scarface132 said "Say hello to my little friend," he meant dollar bills. The Thunderbolts doled out nearly $46 million to 12 free agents, most on two-year contracts. Nine of those contracts were for $4 million or more; yet Cleveland managed to stay nearly $8 million under the salary cap.

Scarface132, Cleveland

Arizona and Smirt211 were not far behind, spending more than $30 million on seven free agents. LG Ronald Bocanegra hit the jackpot, getting $5,584,800 for one year. The Wranglers also gave a one-year deal for $5.1 million to WR James Dennis.

Ronald Bocanegra, Arizona (67)

The largest total money was to a punter (!), Jeff Castle signing with the Baltimore Stars for four years, $6.5 million. Other $6 million men were Hawaiians RT Joseph Villagomez (3 years, $6.22 million) and San Antonio kicker Ronald Hensley (5 years, $6.03 million).

The training camp sim runs Thursday, with midweek prep followed by Saturday's preseason opener.