Predators add Aaron Brooks to QB rotation, part ways with Mason

[Preds]

Predators re-acquire Aaron Brooks. Mason sent packing to the islands.
Frenzy Press
Rhett Zoan - Predators Correspondent
Hamburg, NY

Frenzy Bowl III participants and Eastern division rivals, the Parkwood Predators and Royal Hawaiian Opihi paired up in an unlikely trade in what is turning out to be one of the most hectic and crazy RFA periods in league history.

Parkwood started the evening off by declining the match on star WR Derrick Mason. Ironically, Mason had signed a contract tender 2 days earlier with the rival Opihi and had indicated to Predators GM Mike SantaLucia that he really wanted to play more games in a warmer climate in hopes of extending his playing career. SantaLucia obliged his star WR's wishes, justifying it by stating "We need to give our young players an opportunity to develop on the field. We have a lot of faith in our youngsters" presumably referring to 2002 draft picks Ashley Lelie and Javon Walker, as well as last years 1st round selection Andre Johnson. "We also feel Marty (Booker) will be back to full speed this year and will help pick up any slack left by Derrick's departure" he went on. Mason was a Predator for 1 year and played a key role in their championship run. His presence will be missed.

After parting ways with Mason, the team quickly announced that they had reached a trade agreement with the Opihi, sending 2004 pick 2.12 and the 2nd round pick they will receive for declining Mason to the Opihi in exchange for former Predator Aaron Brooks. Brooks will be making his 2nd stint with the club, having split the QB rotation in 2001 with Kurt Warner. "We feel Aaron has progressively developed, and can play a key role in our QB rotation in 2004" said SantaLucia. Can the team survive a rotating set of QB's as they did a year ago? Also the GM failed to mention anything about the offer sheet extended out to QB Steve McNair of the cap crunched Insects earlier in the day.

The 2004 off-season continues to perplex and excite. What's next for the organization is anyone's guess!