Brigade Announce Player Signings to Kick Off Free Agency

Thursday March 7, 2019

Baltimore signs defensive veterans Hayes and Knight

BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Brigade announced today multiple signings including five-year Arena Football League veteran defensive lineman Robert Hayes and defensive back Michael Knight, who appeared in four games for the team last season.

Hayes started all 14 games for the Brigade in 2017, recording a total of 35 solo tackles, eight sacks, two pass break-ups and one forced fumble and was named Second Team All-Arena. Hayes spent the 2018 season with the Philadelphia Soul where he started the first seven games of the regular season.

Knight returns after joining the Brigade late in the 2018 regular season. He started every game in the postseason including ArenaBowl XXXI. Knight spent his first full season in the league with the Washington Valor and has totaled 53 tackles, five assists, 10 pass break-ups and four interceptions over the course of his career.

The Brigade also signed defensive backs Willie Bailey and Nias Martin. Bailey returns as a Brigade defensive leader who played in 11 regular season games, starting in three. Bailey had 15 solo tackles and 10 assists last season. Martin also returns after spending time with the team in 2018.

“This has been an offseason of reflection,” Brigade Head Coach Omarr Smith said. “We are in the process of getting better and it starts here with the 2019 signings. It is my goal that these guys will produce a product our fans will be proud of.”

The Brigade announced signings of two quarterbacks, Shane Morris from Central Michigan and Jerod Evans a first-year starter for Virginia Tech. Evans, who originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, spent time on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad in 2017.

Also signed today is Georgia’s defensive lineman Sterling Bailey, who made appearances on the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squads. Additionally, the Brigade signed a handful of wide receivers including Ishmael Zamora, an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raider from Baylor University; University of Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett who spent a season with the Carolina Panthers practice squad; and Maurice Morgan from North Carolina State.

Defensive back Kenric Young from the University of Utah and offensive lineman Khaliel Rodgers from North Carolina were also signed by the Brigade today.