7
AAF players who could land in NFL
The AAF suspended operations this week and allowed stars Keith Reaser and Rashad Ross to sign with NFL teams. Who else could get another shot at the NFL? 👉
Julio Aguilar/AAF / Getty
Garrett Gilbert, QB
Gilbert deserves a shot in a league that still employs the likes of Mark Sanchez and Nathan Peterman. Gilbert led the AAF in passing yards (2,152) and threw 13 touchdowns against three interceptions for the 7-1 Orlando Apollos.
Icon Sportswire / Getty
Charles Johnson, WR
Gilbert's go-to target, Johnson led the AAF in receptions (45) and receiving yards (687). He also ranked second in touchdown catches (five).
Chris Thelen/AAF / Getty
Trent Richardson, RB
Now, hear us out. Richardson has had his opportunities in the NFL and averaged just 2.9 yards on 125 carries in the AAF. But he also led the league in touchdowns with 11. Is there an NFL team that could use a goal-line threat from within 3 yards?
Butch Dill / Getty
Derron Smith, S
The San Antonio Commanders safety was Pro Football Focus' pick for AAF Player of the Year. He recorded three picks and 37 total tackles while earning a 93.2 coverage grade. Just 27 years old, he may have played his way back to the NFL.
Edward A. Ornelas/AAF / Getty
Damontre Moore, DE
Surely, an NFL team could use Moore's pass-rushing exploits. In eight games with the San Diego Fleet, he recorded seven sacks. Moore bounced around five NFL teams in six years. With pass-rushing at a premium, he could finally find a secure spot.
Icon Sportswire / Getty
Jayrone Elliott, LB
Elliott led the way with 7.5 sacks in a league that put limits on blitzing. The former Green Bay Packer had four sacks in 39 career NFL games.
Icon Sportswire / Getty
Younghoe Koo, K
After famously struggling in his only season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Koo was a perfect 14-for-14 with the Atlanta Legends. The AAF was created for redemption stories like Koo's.
Grant Halverson/AAF / Getty