Today marks the beginning of the open discussion period for coaches to contact pending free agents.

Matt Rambo’s contract extension through 2026 hinted that the Whipsnakes will be buyers when the free agent period opens on March 4th.

The Maryland Whipsnakes will likely address the defensive side of the ball in free agency looking at the losses on that side of the ball. Defender Bryce Young and SSDM Connor Kirst were traded to the Boston Cannons. SSDM Tyler Warner announced his retirement a few weeks back. LSM Michael Ehrhardt’s playing future is still up in the air.

On the flip side, the offensive side of the ball feels relatively set in stone, with the last piece of the puzzle being the re-signing of All-Star midfielder Mike Chanenchuk. And with the third overall pick in the 2024 PLL Draft, I would expect the Whipsnakes to select either Virginia attackman Connor Shellenberger or Notre Dame attackman Pat Kavanagh to facilitate behind the net, adding to an already dynamic group of attackers and midfielders.

Given what we know, here are a few potential free agents that would make sense for the Whipsnakes to sign:

Garrett Epple (Defense - California Redwoods)

Garrett Epple is the premier defender on the market. The hulking lefty (and Maryland native) was the 2023 Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year and for good reason. He caused 18 turnovers (second in the league) but he’s just such a physical presence out on the field. Epple would pair nicely with Tim Muller and Matt Dunn on the defensive end and really be a big addition for the Whipsnakes.