Roster reconstruction continues as current ownership begins its second decade at the helm.
Retirements:
None
Coaching changes:
The Monarchs bring in a new secondary coach for 2040, as Willie Benson takes over coaching the DBs. Benson joins just his second organization in Moguls, after serving as the defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears since 2024. Benson replaces Curtis Hardy, who accepted a promotion to defensive coordinator for the Wraiths after working as London's secondary coach since 2033. To solidify the rest of the coaching staff receivers coach John Thompson, backfield coach William Berg and kickers coach Bruce Bahe all signed contract extensions to remain with the club. Most importantly, head coach David Kirby signed a six year contract extension, which may keep him with the club for the remainder of his coaching career. Kirby joined London in 2031, and after a rocky first season has lead the team to multiple playoff appearances and should reach his 100th career head coaching victory sometime in 2040.
Free Agency:
GM Nigel Worthington IV was busy this offseason, looking to strengthen a team aging in some areas, despite reaching the AFC Championship game last season. Besides losing cornerstone RB Archie Daniels in free agency to Denver (since relocated to Santa Fe as the Bandits), longtime starting MLB Bryon Cleveland also moved on, signing with the Irvine Anteaters. While trading away a 2041 first round pick to the Rapid Valley Shadow Dancers for hybrid RB/WR Von Popa to replace Daniels, the Monarchs focused more on defensive additions than expected entering the offseason.
WLB Robert Williams - Williams was brought back for his 9th season in London on a one year contract. While starting 13 games in 2039, the thirty one year old Williams will now be backup depth while coaches see what younger linebacking talent has to offer.
SS Frank Wilkerson - the speedy safety joins London after spending his first five years with the Dildozers. While playing sparingly last season, Wilkerson has shown good talent as a pass defender and tackler.
FS Roger Tomlin - the annual tradition of the Monarchs raiding the crosstown rival Ravens continues. While not possessing amazing speed or strength, the fifth year pro has shown high football intelligence and tackling skill which should make him valuable for depth in the defensive backfield
FS Charles Rana - signed to a one year contract as a flyer, Rana has since been cut to free up roster space for a large rookie class.
DT Brian Hubbard - Looking to beef up the defensive line, London signs the twenty six year old who spent his first four years with the Barbarians. While not expected to be a starter for the Monarchs, Hubbard did register three sacks for Battle Creek in 2039.
WR Stephan Howard - Another hybrid offensive player, management hopes Howard will be able repeat the production he had for the Argonauts last season. Howard recorded 53 receptions for 453 yards, while adding 561 yards rushing and two TDs for Wilmington. With some of London's receivers nearing the end of their prime years, Howard should be a solid addition for the next three seasons.
C Donald Draughn - With veteran centers Patrick Wilson (Bears) and Damon Baldwin (Bandits) both allowed to leave via free agency, Draughn was brought in to backup new starter Derrick Robinson. Perhaps the shakiest spot on the Monarchs offensive line, management will look for additional reinforcements if necessary.
CB David Carver - Another defensive back with above average speed and solid tackling, Carver comes over from the Rocky Mountain Bronx, where he recorded 53 tackles, 2 INTs and a sack last season.
LDE Casey Cangelosi - a player whose stats outshine his ratings, management was thrilled to snag the defensive lineman from the Oakland Panthers. Cangelosi has recorded double digit sacks the last three seasons, including 11 in 2039 to go along with 41 tackles. With speed, acceleration and strength, the coaches are hoping he will cause a lot of disruption in opposing backfields.
2040 Draft:
There is no truth to the rumor that the franchise is considering changing their name to the London Bangles following multiple trades with Cincinnati during the 2040 draft. London traded picks 2.1 and 2.29 to the Bangles for pick 1.20, as well as a second trade with picks 4.14 and 4.20 heading to Cincinnati for pick 3.22. Entering the draft with twelve selections, GM Worthington felt it was smarter to trade away multiple assets for higher quality rookies with mainly positive results.
1.20 - RB Tony Vinson (+4/+3 now 49/79) - As the draft will tell, adding running back depth and talent to replace departed RB Archie Daniels was a key goal this season. With great speed and strength while still needing time to develop as a receiver, Vinson will start further down the depth chart for now.
1.29 - WLB Ricky Shaw (+4/-4 now 48/71) - For the third straight season the Monarchs select a linebacker in the first round. A solid athlete with high football intelligence, Shaw is an established pass rusher who has room to grow in pass coverage. Penciled in as a starter heading into the preseason, if Shaw struggles third year WLB Marlon Brown, who has attracted some attention on the trade market, may be asked to step in.
3.22 - SS Reggie Holt (+4/+1 now 47/75) - After trading away both second round picks to Cincinnati, the Monarchs make another deal with the Bangles to trade up and select the converted cornerback. While not possessing amazing coverage skills, management believes his elite speed, strength and tackling skills will be a valuable asset, and could even push starting SS Dan Crossman down the road.
3.29 - LG John Mazzotta (+8/+8 now 56/80) - The gamble appears to have paid off on Mazzotta, who played tight end in college. With great acceleration and amazing strength, Mazzotta will play sparingly until he gains enough weight to aid London's rushing attack.
4.26 - DT Nigel Hoyte (+2/-2 now 42/67) - While not possessing amazing speed, Hoyte's strength punched his ticket to London. Hoyte needs to improve his tackling skills to go along with above average pass rushing talent to get more playing time with the Monarchs.
4.29 RB Charlie Young (+3/-2 now 46/68) - A disappointment after training camp, Young has great speed, but not the secondary talents as a receiver out of the backfield. His future with the team remains cloudy with London's overstuffed running backs room.
5.23 LT Todd Oberdorf (+7/-3 now 40/68) - After debating picking him at 4.29, management was overjoyed to see the college center still on the board here. Oberdorf appears likely to fill a backup role across the offensive line with his average blocking skills and plus strength.
5.29 RB Judd Garrett (+2/-1 now 50/67) - London's third rookie running back, Garrett is rated well as a receiver, but could even be converted to fullback thanks to his excellent pass blocking skills.
6.29 SS Rowelle Blenman (+6/+2 now 42/62) - While fast and strong, Blenman's poor pass coverage skills led him to be cut before training camp to make space for the team to sign free agent offensive lineman Willie Hornsby. Hornsby never started a game for the Thundercocks after being selected fifth overall in 2036, but Monarchs coaches believe he may be better suited to play guard than tackle.
7.29 MLB Roland Peres (+0/-8 now 34/51) - Peres notified management he did not want to leave Idaho for a large metropolitan city like London, and his contract was voided following the 2040 draft.
With a full sixty man roster heading into the preseason opener with the Rapid Valley Shadow Dancers, management has still identified several positions where upgrades and depth could be improved. With a new willingness to trade future draft picks or players for areas of need, the Blue and Gold will likely remain aggressive to keep pace with other improving teams in a highly competitive AFC. Look for an update later this season.
