The Hitmen have been very busy this offseason. While the team has made limited ripples in the free agent market by signing OT Andy Benson and OLB Archie Cushing, the big splashes have come with several contract extensions for key players. The Hitmen have used used up the big cap cushion for this season by resigning several key players to long term deals and front-loading some costs. This will improve the cap situation for future years and allow the team to retain key talent. The players give contract extensions are headlined by stud LT Al Jordan (a 5th year vet). Jordan is one of the best, if not THE BEST, left tackles in the CFL. His great play during his rookie contract (he was in his final year this year) convinced the front office to tie him up for 5 more years. Also receiving 5 year deals are starting OC Juan Makielski (a 7th year vet), OG Steve Hainkel (a 4th yr vet), and TE Gerald Thorpe (a 6th yr vet). On the defensive side of the ball the Hitmen extended the contract of starter and future all star SS Cornelius Drake (a 3rd yr vet) to lock him up for the next 4 years. With the draft just getting underway, the resignings are coming to an end for the time being. The team hopes to build on this promising young teams 7-9 season and wrest control of the divsion away from Detroit this season.

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