Howie's column is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar | eMail Howie
The Minnesota Monsters continued their rapid roster construction Tuesday with the signing of wide receiver Jahmal Banks, a former Wake Forest and Nebraska standout who appeared in three NFL preseason games for the Baltimore Ravens this year.
Banks, who totaled 16 collegiate touchdowns, becomes the latest high-profile addition to an expansion franchise intent on competing for an Arena Football One championship in its first season.
Banks arrives with a reputation for size, physicality and red-zone consistency. At both Nebraska and Wake Forest, he emerged as a trusted possession receiver capable of winning one-on-one matchups, a skill set the Monsters expect to translate seamlessly to the fast, compressed arena game.
Minnesota officials framed the signing as another example of the franchise’s aggressive push under new owner Jacob Lambert, who has vowed to go “all-in” as the former, rebranded Duluth Harbor Monsters — winners of two straight league titles — move up to the stronger AF1.
Banks joins a wave of recent additions, each expected to play a specific role in establishing Minnesota as an immediate contender.
Delvon Randall, a veteran defensive back with NFL and CFL experience, recently joined the Monsters after leading the AF1 in interceptions last season with the Orlando Predators. Randall, who starred at Temple University with 12 career picks and 179 solo tackles, gives Minnesota one of the most decorated ball-hawks in the indoor game. His arrival signals a commitment to replicating the Harbor Monsters’ championship-caliber secondary at the AF1 level.
Caden Walters, a former Western Michigan quarterback who later transitioned to the indoor game, brings mobility, arm talent and proven production under compressed-field conditions. His ability to extend plays and attack seams has made him a sought-after signal caller in the arena league ranks. The Monsters see him as a top-tier competitor for the starting job in training camp.
De’Ron Maxwell, a defensive back, was one of Minnesota’s earliest offensive pickups. He arrives after a productive college career and early professional reps.
Dontae Mason, another defensive back addition, brings high-end athleticism.
In the secondary, Rome Weber offers rangy coverage and strong tackling fundamentals, giving Minnesota another defensive back with legitimate starting potential. Weber’s college production and indoor experience align with the team’s emphasis on defensive versatility — a cornerstone of the Monsters’ back-to-back championships before the franchise moved up to AF1.
Up front, Robert Fuentes gives the Monsters early trench stability. Both linemen have earned praise for their leverage, physicality and ability to adjust quickly in tight-field situations. Their signings add needed depth to Minnesota’s interior on both sides of the ball.
Labarron Mallory, a defensive specialist with strong closing speed who was in training camp with the Raiders, also joins a Monsters defense that is rapidly stacking veteran leadership. Mallory’s tape shows a defender comfortable in both man coverage and hybrid sets — critical skills in the pace-driven AF1 environment.
Rounding out the latest wave of signings are Aedan Johnson and Bikembe Kearney, each bringing unique developmental upside. Johnson played a key role in college, while Kearney adds length and athleticism to a defense that is being built to rotate quickly during the league’s relentless offensive tempo.
Lambert has repeatedly emphasized that the franchise is not entering AF1 as a rebuilding project. Instead, Minnesota is modeling its approach after its Duluth Harbor Monsters years — aggressive talent acquisition, championship expectations and a willingness to invest heavily in roster strength.
With more signings expected in the coming days, the Monsters have positioned themselves as one of the most ambitious clubs heading into the league’s 2026 season.
The AF1 master schedule is expected soon. Minnesota plans to enter training camp with one of the deepest, most decorated first-year rosters in league history.
