After only eight games, the AAF is no more, Now, the league’s entire pool of players is available to sign with NFL teams.
These players didn’t stick in the pros the first time around, but a few have shown enough promise to garner attention from NFL teams and have already signed new contracts.
With plenty of holes left on the roster, the Jets could, and should, take a look at some AAF players before setting their sights on the NFL draft. New York still needs depth at positions like wide receiver, linebacker and cornerback. The AAF featured plenty of contributors at those positions.
With that being said, here are four AAF players the Jets should consider signing.
WR Charles Johnson
Johnson was arguably the AAF’s most explosive player during the league’s short tenure. After cutting him last offseason, the Jets may want to give the wideout another look.
The former Orlando Apollos wide receiver led the league in receptions (45) and receiving yards (687). He also finished second in the league with five touchdown catches.
Johnson played for the Jets in 2018, but didn’t make it past the preseason. However, after letting both Terrelle Pryor and Jermaine Kearse go, the unit is extremely thin past Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Jamison Crowder. With Deontay Burnett heading into his second season and Josh Bellamy and Charone Peake mainly special teamers, Johnson could find a role among the Jets’ wide receivers.
LB Jayrone Elliott
Elliott made a name for himself as the AAF’s sack leader and his pass rushing skills could help the Jets if given the opportunity. In eight games, the former Packers undrafted free agent tallied 7.5 sacks to lead the short-lived league. The Jets outside linebacker corps is still mostly unproven, with Jordan Jenkins and Brandon Copeland pegged as the starters once again.
With 38 games, 57 tackles and four sack worth of NFL experience, Elliot has the potential to be an impact addition for the Jets. He won’t single-handedly solve New York’s pass rushing woes, but he could help matters in 2019.
LB DeMarquis Gates
Legendary NFL linebacker Mike Singletary personally coached Gates during their brief time together with the Memphis Express, so we already know Gates has the intensity to play at a high level.
Gates has a nose for the ball carrier, leading the AAF in tackles with 46 in eight games. Before the AAF, Gates played in 45 games in college at Ole Miss, where he finished with 282 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks. He wouldn’t be the pass rusher the Jets are looking for, but Gates is another young linebacker for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to mold.
CB Jamar Summers
The Jets still need secondary depth with no true No. 2 cornerback to play opposite Trumaine Johnson. Summers may not be that guy, but he was one of the top corners in the AAF for the Birmingham Iron.
After going undrafted out of Connecticut in 2018, Summers played in all four of the Steelers’ preseason games, but failed to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. In the AAF, Summers was an early candidate for defensive player of the year thanks to his stingy play in coverage. In his debut, he only allowed one reception for negative two yards. He finished the season with six tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and three passes defended in two games played.
