With three months left in the offseason before the Soul look to defend their crown, the offseason shake ups have taken a tole on the defending world champions.
The Soul did resign arguably the best player in the league, Dan Raudabaugh when free agency hit, while Dwayne Hollis, Ryan McDaniel and James Romain also signed contracts to return with the Soul.
However, defensive back Tracy Belton, who led the league in interceptions last season, was snatched up by the Washington Valore as a free agent.
The other franchise who joined the league the last few months, the Baltimore Brigade, stole long time Soul players Joe Goosby and LaRico Stevenson.
Leading receiver and Arena Bowl XXIX MVP Shaun Kauleinamoku has yet to sign with anyone, while Jake Metz is in the same situation.
Here’s a summary of the bigger names that have either left the Soul or remain free agents:
TRACY BELTON Signed with Washington
JOE GOOSBY Expansion draft to Baltimore
LARICO STEVENSON Expansion draft to Baltimore
BEN PERRY Expansion draft to Baltimore
TOMMY FREVERT (Soul signed kicker Adrian Trevino)
SHAUN KAULEINAMOKU (unsigned)
JAKE METZ (unsigned)
While some of the losses the Soul have experienced over the past few months could seem hurtful, the franchise has also made some key additions to help stay amongst the top of the now five-team league.
Aside from resigning the players mentioned above, a few rivals are joining the world champions as well.
Former Arizona Rattler All-Arena fullback from 2015 and 2016 Mykel Benson, while Jermaine Richardson remains on the roster but on injury reserve.
Also signing with the Soul from the Arizona Rattlers, who have jumped over to the IFL, was offensive lineman Michael Simons.
And as stated above, former Cleveland kicker Adrian Trevino has replaced Tommy Frevert as the team’s kicker.
So this is where the Soul roster stands in mid February, with additions more than likely coming within the next few weeks as well.
You can check back to Soul Nation for your up-to-date news, or check the roster at http://www.philadelphiasoul.com/index.cfm?go=team&show=players.
