After memo to NFL teams, AAF authorizes players signing with other franchises

After a memo to NFL teams instructing franchises not to contact Alliance of American Football players, the AAF has authorized them to be able to do so.

Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports reported after the AAF suspended operations, NFL clubs were discouraged from contacting players. Paylor wrote:

The memo, distributed to all 32 clubs, discouraged teams from engaging with AAF players or their agents. It was standard procedure, as the NFL is being proactive to prevent the possibility of litigation. NFL teams aren’t allowed to contact players in other leagues. While the AAF has suspended operations, it hasn’t officially folded or canceled its season. Until that happens, NFL teams have been told to steer clear.

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But the AAF has made the players available to the NFL.

Effective immediately, all AAF players are authorized to sign with NFL Clubs.

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) April 4, 2019

AAF chairman Tom Dundon put $70 million into the league through eight weeks and the AAF would have required another $20 million to get through the rest of its schedule, two more regular seasons weeks and a four-team playoff and championship game.

Just a few weeks after launching, the AAF required a huge infusion of cash to keep going. Dundon, who owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, had unilateral decision-making power after making a $250-million investment into the league.

The Athletic website reported in February that the league was struggling to make payroll and that its “existence was in jeopardy” before Dundon stepped forward with a quarter-billion dollar commitment. The AAF was reportedly losing tens of millions of dollars a week.

The AAF consisted of eight teams and featured a collection of former NFL, CFL and college players.

3Down Staff