5 former AAF players the Minnesota Vikings should consider signing

By Nik Edlund | Apr 5, 2019

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 Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) DeMarquis Gates /

DeMarquis Gates – LB (Memphis Express)

The one position the Minnesota Vikings want to add some talent to but could possibly not find the right value in the Draft is at linebacker. If they do get shunned at the position during the Draft, they could look at the crop of AAF linebackers where this guy should be at the top.

DeMarquis Gates is listed at 6-foot-2 and 229 pounds. He played college ball at Ole Miss and spent some time with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, but was ultimately released.

He has good sideline to sideline speed and is a sure and aggressive tackler. He was a bit of a wrecking ball for the Memphis Express throwing his body at ball carriers with little regard to his own well being. Gates led the AAF in tackles with 52 total and added a sack and a couple of fumble recoveries too.

The Vikings could offer Gates a team friendly contract and bring him to training camp and let him compete for a roster spot. The weak-side linebacker depth chart isn’t exactly loaded with talent and Gates should have a fair shot at making the team or worst case getting signed to the practice squad.

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