Commanders QB Logan Woodside could be an example of a player who could make the jump to the NFLGETTY IMAGES
AAF co-Founder & Head of Football Bill Polian said that there have been "informal discussions" about the possibility of NFL teams loaning younger players to the AAF in the future, according to Kevin Allen of USA TODAY. While there have been no formal talks, Polian said "lots of NFL people have bandied about that thought with lots of us." The idea would be for NFL teams to "assign their No. 3 quarterback and other players from the bottom half of the roster and developmental squads to gain more playing time under quality coaches." This "would be similar" to young MLB players "going down to a Class AAA affiliate to gain a few more at-bats." Polian "didn't speculate whether an arrangement with the NFL could happen by the AAF's second season" (USA TODAY, 3/7). In DC, Des Bieler notes any formal agreement between the NFL and AAF "would have to be accepted" by the NFLPA, which "could raise concerns about issues such as compensation, injury settlements and service-time accrual." However, competing in the AAF "presumably would mean extra paychecks for NFL players, which could appeal to the NFLPA" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/7). In San Diego, Tom Krasovic writes everyone involved "stands to win" from an AAF-NFL partnership. San Antonio Commanders GM Daryl Johnston said that partnering with the AAF "appeals to many NFL men who complain to him that the current labor pact has reduced developmental time for NFL players" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/7).
STANDING PAT FOR NOW: Polian said that there are no current plans to "either expand the AAF or relocate any of its current eight teams" in '20. He said he does not believe expansion is "on the front-burner" for the league. Polian: "We still have lots of work we need to do to solidify ourselves in the local markets. I don't think expansion is a high priority at this time. We haven't even given a thought to relocation" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 3/7).
