For all the wrong takes on the internet, we finally got one correct at TouchdownWire. Well, we kind of got it right. We said to expect a mini-signing flurry after the AAF season ended on April 28. According to the AAF, 44 players from the AAF have signed on with NFL teams. That’s even better than we predicted.
It shows that the AAF did something right, and it also shows that the XFL has a chance to succeed by filling a hole that is now open by the AAF. The NFL wants as much tape as possible. Any player who had an inkling of doubt that playing for a league that wasn’t the NFL should now be clamoring to play in the XFL to show off their skill.
Let’s be honest, the AAF as a whole was a failure, but the proof of concept as a developmental league was a success. It even could force the NFL’s hand. Sure, they don’t want to create a minor league, but it could be good for the game. It allows teams to evaluate real talent during real games rather than limited practices. Coaches are constantly complaining about the new CBA hamstrings them, but what if they could develop players in the offseason? What if younger players get a chance to develop instead of being immediately discarded? The AAF answered that the NFL wants something like a minor league. They’d be happy if college football and the XFL stayed in that position. If the XFL fails, the NFL should consider the benefits of starting their own league even if it’s a loss leader.
