Jakobsson On The Move?

       Recently there has been speculation regarding the future of star RB Ulf Jakobsson's future with the Dallas Dragons. It's no secret that his numbers have declined some this season compared to his MVP season last year with Arizona.  But after only just one season in Dallas, could he already by thinking about a different path? If so, the blockbuster trade that brought him to Dallas would be a complete failure and one of the most lopsided trades since St. Louis traded CB Owmy Back to Tacoma for 2 first round picks only to have the player retire less than 2 weeks later.

       Team officials were reported to have been concerned about their lack of draft capital going into one of the deepest draft classes in league history. With Dallas on the outside looking into the playoffs their massive push for the playoffs in acquiring both Andre Krimm and Ulf Jakobsson from the Arizona Rattlers has left them scrambling to salvage the situation. Krimm is leaving in the upcoming expansion draft which leaves only Ulf as a trade chip to try and get them some extra draft capital for the next couple of seasons.

     As a whole, Dallas only has five total picks in the next two drafts. Only one of those, a 7th round pick, is in the upcoming S9 draft. The team itself is obviously losing a lot of talent as well with the previously mentioned expansion draft and the fact that almost their entire team is on expiring deals next season. One of those players on an expiring deal next season is Ulf, and if the trend continues next year of sub optimal play from Dallas, it's hard to imagine him wanting to come back instead of trying to go to a contender.

     If a trade were to happen though, where would Dallas be able to ship Ulf off to? The now two time league MVP has quite a resume but a team would need to feel confident in their ability to resign him to trade for him, which means they'd need to feel that they're a contending team for a United Bowl. Below is a list of teams that could fit that mold.

     Tampa Bay Typhoon. The Typhoon currently have two RB's, Jason Copeland who was never starting quality to begin with and isn't improving any with his age. And the other being Jacory Dash who just hasn't quite lived up to expectations as the starting back in Tampa. He may end up being better suited to a backup role instead. But with no true RB1, Tampa is still a playoff team and one would have to wonder how much better their team would be with a proven RB1 in Jakobsson.

     Anchorage Snow Devils. Anchorage has been surprising this year and short of a miracle they'll be in the playoffs this season. Led by young phenom QB Dane Jones this team could win, and they could win very soon if things go their way. However, Anchorage is in a similar position to Tampa where their current starting back isn't really getting the job done. Jacob Coole-Beans has cooled off since his rookie campaign and has plateaued in his growth. Perhaps a change of scenery is in order for him to get back on track with his career while also providing Anchorage a much higher quality RB for their immediate future.

     Pittsburgh Roughnecks. If anyone remembers the days of the now defunct CSFA they would know that the current RB for Pittsburgh, Mike Hawk used to play FB. His partner in crime at Mile High University? Ulf Jakobsson. Together the pair single handedly won the college several national championships, imagine if that duo came back together in the pros. Pittsburgh is an up and coming team and is nothing to be trifled with either, I expect them to be going far in the next season or two.

    Regardless of the outcome of this saga, this offseason will be extremely important for Dallas. Whether that means finding a trade partner for Ulf or finding a creative way to fill the team with more talent for next season to lure Ulf back. All eyes will be on Dallas.