The leadership team of the Chicago Hitmen promised big changes were in store for the franchise for the upcoming season. Those changes are coming fast and furious here at the open of the free agency season. The Hitmen have renegotiated the contracts of a number of players already and have begun shopping the available free agents. This early shopping netted the Hitmen one of the most talented players available this offseason in DE Jarrett Kline from Shreveport (4yr $19.85M). The Hitmen also signed WR Roderick Mahoney from Durham (2yr $1.80M) in the opening days. Rumor has it more signings are pending. Kline is expected to start at the LDE spot and will put into place a formidable front line here in Chicago. Mahoney on the other hand is said to be coming in to compete for the 3rd WR slot.

Other notable news comes on the trade front. The Hitmen have traded away last years starting LCB Beaton to Hartford for a 3rd round pick in 2011. At the same time, the Hitmen acquired CB Jones from Charleston for pick 4-26 and a 4th next year. The Hitmen plan for Jones to replace Beaton at the corner spot. Beaton did not fit Chicago's defensive scheme while Jones in the past has excelled in coverage schemes like those being utilized in Chicago.

_________________