AAF Star Garrett Gilbert Signs with Raiders

Alt League football players are definitely resilient. Through the ups and downs, the phone calls and workouts, these players go through tons of adversity before finally getting a shot. For Quarterbacks this road is often even more uncertain for Quarterbacks who often fall into the QB3 or QB4 on the depth chart. One of those Quarterbacks who seized the most of his opportunities is Garrett Gilbert the former Orlando Apollos QB, who has signed a 1-year deal with the Raiders and opportunity to become Derek Carr’s Back-Up.

Gilbert’s career has crossed paths withe Head Coach Josh McDaniels twice before. Gilbert actually earned a ring with the Patriots his rookie year as a practice squad player in 2014. He was also recently on the Patriots Practice Squad again in 2021 before being signed by the Washington Football Team to start in a Week 17 Matchup vs. the Eagles.

Gilbert is definitely a journeyman in the NFL playing for Eight NFL teams and AAF team. In total, the QB has seen time in eight career games (two starts), completing 57.3 percent of his passes for 477 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He’s made a nice living for himself as well earning $2,320,667 since being drafted by the Rams in the 6th Rd of 2014.

However, in the AAF is where he cemented his claim as a Pro Quarterback in 2019. In the league’s eight-game season, he led the league in passing and led his Orlando Apollos to a 7-1 record in the process. He also had a TD to Int ratio of 13-3, which was the best in the league. Gilbert’s opportunity in the AAF has solidified his career among other AAF and XFL QBs like PJ Walker, Josh Johnson, John Wolford and Logan Woodside, all of whom have been resigned by NFL teams for the 2022.

With the McDaniels having worked with Gilbert before during their years in New England, and the Raiders still not signing Mariota or Peterman, it appears that Gilbert is being set up to succeed in 2022 with the Raiders. Regardless, see another Spring League QB succeed bodes well for USFL Prospects as it proves that more football is needed to show case the skills of the so many players needing a chance.