The league was short-lived, but some former 49ers were still productive

On Tuesday, the word got out about the Alliance of American Football league suspending its operations. The league is all but folding. This really impacts the players. Now there are probably 100 professionals out of a job. There were quite a few former San Francisco 49ers in the AAF. From coaches to players, there were plenty of recognizable names. Here are three names you’ll recognize that made the most of their time in the AAF.

WR Quinton Patton

The Birmingham Iron have seven former 49ers on their roster. One of them being former fourth-round draft pick of the 2013 draft for San Francisco. Patton had the third most targets in the AAF and the eighth most receiving yards. Patton currently has 33 catches for 372 yards. Patton remains a possession receiver as 18 of those 33 went for first downs. He did not score a touchdown in eight games.

DL Mike Purcell

Purcell played with the 49ers from 2013-’16. According to PFF, he was the best interior defensive lineman in the AAF. For the Salt Lake Stallions, Purcell was first in QB hits, second in sacks, and third in pressures. By those numbers, Purcell has earned the right to at least be in an NFL camp this summer.

CB Keith Reaser

Reaser was a Niner from 2014-’17. He was a fifth round selection. PFF also liked Reaser in his eight game stint with the Orlando Apollos. Reaser had a 92.7 overall grade. The next closest corner was 83.7. So Reaser was comfortably the best at his position, per PFF. Reaser gave up 46% of passes thrown his way. Of the 14 completions, they totaled 146 yards. Reaser was second in both interceptions and pass breakups. Like Purcell, if that’s not good to get invited to an NFL camp, nothing will be. Good for Reaser.