The Alliance of American Football got off to a great start and definitely won many football fans over. But unfortunately it came to an end a few days ago when the league announced that it was shutting down.
Even though the AAF is over, it doesn’t mean that the former player’s football careers are, too.
With that, here are six players from the AAF that showed enough to possibly get consideration from the Chargers.
Terrance Garvin | ILB | Orlando
On paper, the Chargers’ linebacker room looks like it’s been solidified after the retention of Denzel Perryman and signing of Thomas Davis, but the depth behind the starters is slim. Former Orlando Apollos showed some promise in his limited action.
Garvin was bounced around in the NFL after his playing time with West Virginia. He started out with the Steelers, then proceeded to end up with the Redskins, Seahawks and Dolphins. Eventually, it didn’t pan out for him.
Garvin had a knack for making plays in the AAF where he led all linebackers with three interceptions, two of which he returned for a touchdown. Garvin also had three passes defensed and missed only two tackles all season while making 34.
Terry Poole | OT | San Diego
For a team that’s in need of finding offensive line depth, the Chargers didn’t have to travel far to watch the San Diego Fleet and see a potential suitor in offensive tackle Terry Poole.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 323 pounds, Poole was dominant for the Fleet, who didn’t possess a reliable quarterback that had a great understanding of pocket awareness, which allowed pressure. He gave up the fourth-lowest pressure rate among tackles in the league and gave up only two sacks on 322 drop backs.
The former San Diego State product has the makings of a nice swing tackle that could eventually be called upon if one of Los Angeles’ starters were to go down.
Jamar Summers | CB | Birmingham
The cornerback position is in need of depth and former UConn product Jamar Summers showed why he’s capable of fulfilling that in just a matter of a few weeks.
Summers recorded 13 tackles, three interceptions and 10 passes defensed before a knee injury sidelined him in what turned out to be the final week of the season.
He was graded as the No. 4 cornerback in the AAF with a score of 77.6, Summers saw 42.4% of the passes thrown his way caught by a receiver and allowed a passer rating of just 48.9, according to Pro Football Focus.
Ed Reynolds | S | Atlanta
Chargers safety Derwin James made a statement early on in his professional career that he has the position on lock, but depth behind him wouldn’t hurt one bit. Former Atlanta Legends’ Ed Reynolds would be able to provide that.
A former fifth-round pick by the Eagles, Reynolds was fifth in the league in tackles with 35 and added a sack. Even though he was the best coverage safety in the AAF, Reynolds is best suited in the box where he can also play against the run and blitz the quarterback.
Mike Purcell | DT | Salt Lake
Purcell might be one of the most logical signings for the Chargers. As it currently stands, the team only has three defensive tackles under contract. It’s very likely Los Angeles will add to that group in the 2019 NFL draft. Still, it could be nice to bring another veteran player at that position.
Purcell was the AAF’s top graded interior defensive lineman. He had 19 run stops, 14 hurries, seven quarterback hits, four sacks, and four passes defensed.
L.A. currently lacks a bigger, run-stuffing defensive tackle. Adding the 6-3, 327 pounder definitely solidify that.
Derron Smith | FS | San Antonio
The Chargers are in need of free safety help. Even though Rayshawn Jenkins, Jaylen Watkins and a likely early draft pick make up the group, you can never have too much depth at a position that has failed to find consistency. Former San Antonio Commanders’ Derron Smith is worth considering.
Originally drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2015 draft, Smith was arguably one of the better defenders in the short period of time in the league.
Smith has elite skills as a coverage defender along with some promise against the run. He has shown to be ability to be versatile, playing in the and in single-high coverage, but he will likely will only be asked to play free safety in the NFL.
