The Viking Age
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5 former AAF players the Minnesota Vikings should consider signing

By Nik Edlund

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MARCH 31: Running back Trent Richardson #33 of the Birmingham Iron carries the ball during the second half of an Alliance of American Football game against the Atlanta Legends at Legion Field on March 31, 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama.î (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MARCH 31: Running back Trent Richardson #33 of the Birmingham Iron carries the ball during the second half of an Alliance of American Football game against the Atlanta Legends at Legion Field on March 31, 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama.î (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Charles Johnson
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Charles Johnson /

Charles Johnson – WR (Orlando Apollos)

The first guy the Minnesota Vikings should consider signing from the AAF is former Viking pass catcher Charles Johnson. When Johnson was with the Purple he showed some flashes. In 2014, he formed a nice rapport with QB Teddy Bridgewater and posted a 31 reception, 475 yds, two touchdown stat line.

Many had him pegged for a breakout season in 2015. That didn’t happen. He had 29 receptions combined the following two seasons, and then was let go. He signed a free agent deal with the Panthers but got hurt and was cut. His NFL career appeared all but dead.

Johnson joined the Orlando Apollos of the AAF and quickly became the league’s best receiver. In his time in the league, he accumulated 45 receptions for 687 yards and five touchdowns. He ran smooth routes and displayed the soft hands Vikings fans remember from the late portions of the 2014 season.

The Minnesota Vikings third wide receiver spot is currently up for grabs. The team could use a fairly high draft pick to bring in competition. If they would rather save that pick for a different area of need, then looking to the AAF and this former Viking could be an option. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he’s got the size the team could use at that spot.

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