Free agency is moving, and the defending champs are staying busy. Arizona added three defensive players over the weekend, Tulsa secured its quarterback, and Jacksonville worked on both sides of the line. Green Bay brought back familiar faces, Southwest Kansas introduced four newcomers, and Montgomery kept building its first roster with additions on both sides of the ball.

This roundup covers the past week's news through October 4, 2026. It also includes selected earlier offseason highlights, with trades identified separately.

Indoor Football League

Arizona Rattlers

Starting with the reigning champions, Arizona gave its defense plenty of attention this week. On October 1, the Rattlers announced the return of Hayden Hatcher, who worked at both linebacker and defensive line last season. He finished with 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Keeping a player who can handle both roles gives Arizona some flexibility as the rest of the front comes together.

Then came three additions on October 3, defensive lineman Christopher Hardie, defensive end Antoineo Harris and linebacker Tra'Klayn 'KK' Reno. Hardie previously signed with Arizona before getting an opportunity with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Harris arrives after a college career that ended at UConn and a stint with Winnipeg.

Reno brings a particularly interesting résumé: 118 tackles and the 2025 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year award at Southeastern Louisiana. There's real production behind that name.

The two major retention moves to remember from earlier in the offseason are quarterback Max Meylor and running back Kimo Clarke. Arizona already has the backfield from its title run coming back. This week's work adds more options around the defense.

Arkansas Diamonds

Arkansas added running back PJ Vander from the San Diego Strike Force. Vander, formerly known as PJ Edward, gives the Diamonds a proven indoor runner as they make the jump from TAL to the IFL. He left San Diego as its franchise leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and points scored.

The biggest earlier addition remains quarterback Sam Castronova, whose September 21 announcement falls outside this week's window. Pairing his championship experience with Vander's production gives Arkansas an experienced backfield to build around.

Athens Crush

Athens has made two major quarterback additions: Zach Zebrowski and Liam Thompson. Thompson arrives from Green Bay as the reigning MVP. That's a substantial addition before the expansion team has played its first game.

Zebrowski gives the Crush another quarterback option alongside Thompson. With two notable additions at the same position, the next question is how Athens plans to divide the work and build the offense around them.

Green Bay Blizzard

Green Bay's confirmed move this week came September 28, when kicker Andrew Mevis signed for a fourth season. The reigning IFL Special Teams Player of the Year finished 2026 with 203 points and earned his second consecutive First Team All-IFL selection. In a league where a missed kick or a well-placed kickoff can change a game, keeping Mevis matters.

Green Bay also brought back receivers Sylvere Campbell and Jack Studer this week. The Blizzard added defensive lineman Michael Shimek, then announced offensive lineman Aiden Ferguson on October 2. Ferguson is a Wisconsin native entering his first IFL campaign. That's five player additions or returns in the week, with familiar receiving targets coming back and new options on both lines.

With Levi Nelson taking over as head coach after consecutive championship game losses, the Blizzard have changes to manage. Keeping Mevis, Campbell and Studer gives the new staff some continuity while the rest of the roster develops.

Iowa Barnstormers

Iowa's biggest move belongs in this week's news: quarterback Josh Jones was announced October 1. Jones arrives from Nashville after previous stops in Northern Arizona and Bay Area, giving the Barnstormers an experienced option after a difficult season. Receiver Jalal Dean also returns, keeping a familiar target in the offense.

Jones has already shown he can produce in the IFL, with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in Northern Arizona and a Second Team All-IFL selection in Bay Area on his résumé. After Iowa's 1-15 season, a quarterback with that experience is a meaningful place to start. Receiver Kurtis Ravenel's earlier return is another offseason move worth highlighting. The next question is whether Iowa can give Jones enough protection and consistency around him to turn an individual upgrade into wins.

Jacksonville Sharks

Jacksonville had two additions to the trenches this week. On September 29, the Sharks acquired offensive lineman Zach Fortier from Vegas. The 6-foot-7, 319-pound tackle played at North Central, was part of its 2022 Division III championship team and has experience on both sides of the offensive line. The trade compensation was not disclosed.

On October 2, Jacksonville signed former Michigan defensive lineman Ike Iwunnah. At 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds, he brings size to the interior and experience from a program where he was part of the 2023 national championship team. He appeared in 11 games in 2024 and eight in 2025. How quickly he adapts to indoor spacing and rules will determine what the Sharks get from that college background.

The major earlier signing remains quarterback Kyle Lauletta. His NFL and spring football experience makes him one of the more recognizable newcomers, but the line moves matter to his chances of settling in. Jacksonville is changing quarterbacks while trying to give the offense a sturdier base.

New Mexico Chupacabras

New Mexico brought back defensive back Jacious Clark and running back Andrew 'Dolla' Henry. Clark remains an option in the secondary, while Henry gives the offense a returning runner.

Henry is also a former University of New Mexico player. Keeping him and Clark gives Corey Roberson familiar Chupacabras personnel as he takes over after a 2-14 season. The two earlier returnees to keep in view are running back Walter Wilbon and offensive lineman Roderick Williams, who previously played for Roberson in Green Bay.

Northern Arizona Wranglers

Northern Arizona signed receiver Kenttwon Brown from the Pueblo Punishers. Brown moves from the NAL to the IFL and gives the Wranglers a new receiving option alongside the large group they retained earlier in the offseason.

The Wranglers also re-signed receiver Kobe Smith. After a 3-13 season, Northern Arizona is pairing Smith's return with Brown's arrival as it works to improve its passing game.

Orlando Pirates

Orlando announced the return of offensive lineman Nick Jones on September 30. He started every game in 2026 and helped an offense that averaged 50.6 points per game. The former Mississippi State lineman also

brings CFL experience from Saskatchewan.

Jones gives the Pirates a reliable returning piece up front as the rest of the roster develops. With Rod Windsor returning as head coach, Orlando has some continuity to build around. The next announcements will give us a better sense of who Jones will be protecting.

Quad City Steamwheelers

Quad City has re-signed offensive lineman Joe Krall. The Monmouth College product stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 325 pounds. Keeping Krall gives Corey Ross an experienced player up front as the Steamwheelers work to rebound from a 5-11 season.

The earlier quarterback addition to keep in view is Wrentie Martin V from Western New Mexico. With Daquan Neal's return still unconfirmed, Krall's presence provides some continuity in front of a developing quarterback room.

Savannah Leprechauns

Savannah's first roster is taking shape with quarterback Sammy Edwards, defensive lineman Devonta Davis and athlete Clay Fields III. All three arrive from Jacksonville, giving the expansion franchise players with experience in the IFL.

Edwards gives Savannah a quarterback around whom it can begin organizing the offense. Davis adds a defensive front option, while Fields brings the positional flexibility reflected in his athlete designation. These additions make the roster more tangible as the franchise prepares for its debut.

Savannah also signed defensive lineman Latrell Jean and kick returner and receiver Jalen May. Jean adds another player up front alongside Davis, while May brings an option for both the passing game and return duties. An earlier offseason highlight is defensive lineman Tony Rountree Jr., whose signing was announced September 24.

San Diego Strike Force

San Diego added receiver Isaiah Huston from Arizona and defensive back Najei Snyder from Green Bay. Huston gives the offense another receiving option, while Snyder brings experience to a secondary undergoing several changes.

The Strike Force also signed defensive lineman Cam Blaylock and running back Josh McCray. Blaylock adds another option on the defensive front, while McCray gives San Diego a new player in the backfield alongside its additions at receiver and defensive back.

San Diego also has two reported outgoing trades: defensive lineman Adam Anderson to Vegas and receiver Dallas Daniels to Tulsa. Vegas has since signed Anderson, although the reported trade's terms remain undisclosed. Daniels' move remains a reported trade, with compensation and completion unconfirmed. The two moves affect San Diego's defensive front and receiving group.

The two earlier offseason additions to remember are quarterback James Cahoon from Jacksonville and receiver CJ Windham through the Fishers trade.

Tucson Sugar Skulls

Tucson signed kicker Cash Peterman, giving the Sugar Skulls a new option on special teams. How he handles the demands of indoor kicking will be one part of the roster competition to watch.

The two earlier retention moves to remember are quarterback Ja'Rome Johnson and defensive lineman Rafiq Abdul-Wahid. Johnson helped turn Tucson around after arriving late last season, and Abdul-Wahid gives the defense an accomplished player to build around. Peterman adds another position to that developing roster.

Tulsa Oilers

Tulsa had one of the week's biggest confirmed moves on October 1: quarterback TJ Edwards is returning. The 2023 IFL MVP earned First Team All-IFL honors in 2026 and was again an MVP finalist. He finished last season with 64 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns.

That is a lot of offense to keep in place. Edwards gives the Oilers a proven threat through the air and on the ground, and his return lets Tulsa build the rest of its offense around someone it already knows. After reaching the Eastern Conference championship game, retaining the quarterback gives the Oilers a clear starting point for another run.

Tulsa is also reportedly trading for San Diego receiver Dallas Daniels. Compensation and completion remain unconfirmed. Adding Daniels would give returning quarterback TJ Edwards II another experienced receiving option.

Vegas Knight Hawks

Vegas signed receiver Deon Cook from San Antonio and re-signed defensive back Marquise Waters. Cook adds a receiving option, while Waters gives the secondary a returning player.

The Knight Hawks added offensive lineman Kenny Fehrman. His signing gives Vegas another player up front following the departure of Zach Fortier to Jacksonville. Alongside the additions at receiver and on defense, Fehrman's arrival extends the week's roster work to the offensive line.

Vegas has also signed defensive lineman Adam Anderson following the reported trade from San Diego. The trade terms remain undisclosed.

The two earlier returnees to highlight are receiver Deshon Stoudemire and defensive back Terry Roberts. Vegas also sent offensive lineman Zach Fortier to Jacksonville in a trade announced September 29; compensation was not disclosed. The Knight Hawks are changing both lines while adding and retaining players outside.

Arena Football One

ATX Bulls

ATX added offensive lineman Eric Washington and running back NaVar Tolliver. Washington is listed at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, giving the expansion offense a sizable blocker as it builds its first roster. Tolliver joins on a camp signing, putting him in the competition for a place in the backfield.

Adding a blocker and a runner gives Austin two connected pieces of its developing offense. The earlier center addition to remember is Torre Boyd, a 2026 First Team AF1 lineman.

Minnesota Monsters

Minnesota has two moves in this week's window: defensive lineman Aaron Berg is signed, and Moe Strong is returning for 2027.

The two other offseason names to highlight are returning quarterback Ja'Vonte Johnson and defensive lineman Claude Davis. With the franchise moving to the Twin Cities, retaining familiar players offers some continuity through a larger organizational change. Berg, a Minneapolis native, adds a local player to the defensive front as that roster develops.

Nashville Kats

Nashville signed quarterback Shea Spencer from the Kentucky Barrels. Spencer stays in AF1 while changing teams, giving the Kats another quarterback option with arena experience.

His arrival comes as Josh Jones moves from Nashville to the Iowa Barnstormers. Those are separate signings, but together they show the Kats' quarterback room changing. Spencer's role will become clearer as Nashville announces the rest of its roster.

San Diego Stealth

San Diego signed Rudy Johnson and David Haney as the Stealth continue building their roster for 2027.

Washington Wolfpack

Washington added receiver Max Novak from the Tulsa Oilers and re-signed linebacker Tywon Buckley. Novak brings another receiving option, while Buckley remains a familiar defensive piece after recording a franchise-record 49 tackles in 2026.

Offensive lineman Hector Cisneros and receiver Aakiel Greer also return. Greer comes back after setting a Wolfpack season record with 54 catches, keeping a productive target in the receiving group.

The earlier addition worth spotlighting is Lynn Bowden Jr. His experience at quarterback, receiver and in the backfield gives Washington several ways to use him. The former Kentucky standout won the Paul Hornung Award and went on to play in the NFL.

National Arena League

Colorado Spartans

Colorado signed Jakaylen Jackson, a player who can contribute in the secondary, on offense and in the return game. That versatility could give new head coach Brandon Negron several ways to use him on a small indoor roster. His eventual role will become clearer as the rest of the team comes together.

Louisiana Rouxgaroux

Louisiana announced the re-signing of Chase Baker, the addition of offensive lineman Melvin Hollins and the return of defensive back James Pitre for 2027.

Baker and Pitre give Louisiana familiar players to build around, with Pitre returning to the secondary. Hollins adds another option on the offensive line. Under Fred Shaw, the Rouxgaroux are combining returning personnel with an addition up front as the rest of the roster develops.

Omaha Beef

Omaha has three additions this week: offensive lineman Robert Malcom, linebacker Cam Hunt II and receiver Lou Dorsey. Malcom comes from Northern Arizona, Hunt from Fishers and Dorsey from Arkansas.

The Beef are addressing three different parts of the roster in the same stretch. Malcom adds an experienced blocker, Hunt gives the defense a new linebacker, and Dorsey adds a receiving target. Under Pat Pimmel, Omaha is bringing in players from outside its previous roster as it builds toward 2027.

Salina Liberty

Salina announced seven signings this week, with additions across the offensive and defensive lines, backfield, receiving group and secondary. Defensive lineman Scean Mustin gives the Liberty another option up front.

Offensive linemen Wayne Callwood Jr. and James Taylor Jr. give the Liberty more options to protect the quarterback and create room for the running game.

Running back Kvonte Williams-Baker and receiver Davien Atkinson address two parts of the offense, bringing another back to the rushing group and another target to the passing game.

Salina also signed defensive backs Quantaye Battle and Jadarius Byrd. Together with Mustin, they give the defense additions both up front and in coverage.

The earlier offseason addition to keep in view is Jahleel Billingsley, whose signing dates to September 22. That move remains background to Salina's seven additions this week.

Sioux City Bandits

Sioux City signed quarterback Giovanni Sanders from the Omaha Beef and re-signed receiver Damond Powell.

The Bandits also signed Willie Rollins, adding to the Sanders and Powell moves in Sioux City's weekly roster activity.

Adding a quarterback from a league rival while keeping Powell gives the Bandits a combination of new personnel and a familiar receiving target. The earlier return of receiver Jadon Johnson is also worth remembering. Johnson finished the previous season with 21 catches, 212 yards and five touchdowns.

Southwest Kansas Storm

The defending NAL champions introduced four newcomers this week: quarterback Davis Black, receiver Emari White and defensive backs Lakedrick Holmes and Ty Marsh. Black arrives from the San Diego Strike Force and is listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, giving the Storm's quarterback room a sizable new option. White adds a receiving target while Holmes and Marsh bring competition to the secondary.

Black also has college production behind him. At California (Pennsylvania), he earned the 2024 PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year award after throwing for 2,948 yards and 21 touchdowns against four interceptions. Translating that success indoors is the next challenge, but Southwest Kansas is adding a quarterback with more than size on his résumé.

The two earlier signings worth highlighting are offensive lineman Zachary Fondal and defensive lineman Robert Cooper. Neither is counted as a signing from this week's window.

Fondal returned from time away from football to start every game in 2026. He was part of a line that allowed only six sacks over 12 games. Bringing him back helps preserve a unit that already proved it could protect and run block at a championship level.

Cooper returns after playing for the Storm in 2025 and pursuing an opportunity with the Houston Roughnecks.

His return gives Southwest Kansas another familiar option on the defensive front. Both moves address positions where experience with the indoor game can make a difference quickly.

American Arena League

Montgomery Catfish

Montgomery has six additions this week: quarterback Jarren Myers, receiver Donaven Pittman, running back Darius Morrison, offensive lineman Weston Wallace, defensive back LaBarron Mallory and defensive lineman Prince Umanmielen.

Myers comes from the Kentucky Barrels, giving the Catfish another quarterback with arena experience.

Pittman is a receiver from Fort Mill, South Carolina. Morrison played at Missouri Baptist University, and Wallace played at Georgia and Georgia Southern. Those additions give the expansion offense options at quarterback, receiver, running back and along the line.

On defense, Mallory was a Minnesota Monsters captain in 2026. Umanmielen arrives from Albany after recording 21 solo tackles and three sacks in 2026. The Catfish are adding experience on both sides of the ball as their first roster takes shape.

The two earlier signings to remember are quarterback Tyriq Starks and versatile quarterback and receiver Tyreer Mills. Starks was the franchise's first player signing. Mills arrives after earning 2026 AAL2 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors with Pittsburgh.

North Texas Steam

North Texas has nine signings this week. Trayoun Maxie was the franchise's first official signing and can contribute at defensive back, receiver and kick returner. Receiver Steven Walker and running back and receiver DeVon Harris also joined the Steam. Walker's previous teams include the Frisco Fighters and Texas Herd, while Harris brings experience with Omaha and Eau Claire.

The next additions were Paris Parker and Quintrell Randle. Parker is listed at defensive end and tight end, giving the Steam a 6-foot-3, 265-pound option on either side of the ball. Randle, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver and defensive back from Lakeland University, adds another player who can compete at multiple positions.

Josh Jenkins signed as a receiver, defensive back and kick returner. The Texas A&M-Commerce product has previous IFL experience with Iowa, Arizona and Vegas. North Texas also signed running back and receiver Ladaryus Cook.

Running back Kemijah Williams and defensive end Armon Coleman followed. Williams is listed at 5-foot-8 and 186 pounds. Coleman, from Oklahoma Panhandle State, brings a 6-foot-5, 283-pound frame and previous experience with the Texas Herd. The group gives North Texas options in the backfield, at receiver, in the secondary and along the defensive front as its first AAL roster takes shape.

Ohio Legends

Ohio brought back defensive back Da'Vaughn Lewis and defensive end Kolton Millisor. Both return for their second seasons with the Legends.

Millisor is listed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, with one year of indoor and arena experience with Ohio. His return keeps a familiar player on the defensive front, while Lewis gives the secondary continuity. The two signings address different levels of the defense as the Legends assemble their next roster.

Texas Desperados

Texas signed receiver and defensive back Haniel Jeremy Jr. His ability to work on either side of the ball gives the Desperados options as they assemble their roster. Where he gets the most work will depend on how the remaining personnel fit around him.

Tri-City Horsemen

Tri-City re-signed offensive lineman Jared Bronson and added quarterback Derrick Curtis from Omaha. The Horsemen keep a familiar blocker while adding a new player at quarterback.

That combination gives Tri-City some continuity in protection as its offense changes. Curtis brings previous arena experience from the Beef, while Bronson returns to help the Horsemen build toward their AAL campaign.

Tri-City also re-signed linebacker and defensive lineman Joshua Deck and added defensive back Marion 'Gus' Owens and slot receiver Daijuan 'Dai' Anderson. Deck, listed at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds out of Hartnell College, gives the defense a returning player who can work at linebacker or on the line. Owens adds another option in coverage, while Anderson is listed at 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds from Salt River JC. The Horsemen continued building the offensive line with Bryant Ankrah and Ja'Noy Sumner. Both are listed at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, adding size alongside returning lineman Jared Bronson. Sumner's college stops include Morgan State University, CAU and FMU.

Defensive lineman Shaefon Davis rounds out the six additional Tri-City signings. The Rowan Community College product is listed at 5-foot-11 and 280 pounds. Together, these additions and Deck's return broaden the Horsemen's roster work beyond the earlier Bronson and Derrick Curtis moves, addressing both lines, the secondary and the receiving group.