Report: NFL discourages teams from contacting AAF players for legal reasons

Following recent reports of the Alliance of American Football suspending operations in anticipation of folding, NFL teams began identifying AAF players whom they would be interested in signing.

The NFL, however, quickly discouraged teams from engaging with AAF players or their agents, at least for the moment. The league sent a memo to teams on Wednesday reminding them that they aren't allowed to contact players in other organizations, sources told Yahoo Sports' Terez Paylor.

Though the AAF has suspended operations, it has yet to officially fold. Until that happens, NFL clubs cannot act. The memo was sent to prevent the possibility of litigation.

Meanwhile, the AAF circulated an internal memo Tuesday terminating its employees, Paylor added. Although officials were apparently surprised by the suspension of operations, the memo reportedly indicated the league will seek additional outside investment to try and return next year.

The AAF has yet to publicly address its status since initial reports surfaced regarding the league's uncertain future.