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3 players the Redskins should sign after the apparent demise of the AAF

By Jacob Camenker

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Jayrone Elliott #52 of the San Antonio Commanders deflects the pass attempt of John Wolford #7 of the Arizona Hotshots at Alamodome on March 31, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes//Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Jayrone Elliott #52 of the San Antonio Commanders deflects the pass attempt of John Wolford #7 of the Arizona Hotshots at Alamodome on March 31, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes//Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 30: Garrett Gilbert #4 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 30: Garrett Gilbert #4 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The Redskins need help at quarterback. So, why not target the best quarterback from the AAF who might have had a shot at being the league’s MVP?

Gilbert was a former sixth-round pick by the then St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft. Gilbert split his college career at Texas and SMU, and he eventually developed into a quality passer, throwing for 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his final collegiate season. It took a long time for him to reach that level, but he did get there.

Gilbert never got a chance to play much in the NFL, as he bounced around on offseason rosters and practice squads prior to landing a backup job with the Carolina Panthers for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. However, after the 2018 campaign, Gilbert elected to play in the AAF to get a chance to start. And he played extremely well.

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As the quarterback for the league’s best team, the Orlando Apollos, Gilbert put up 2,152 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He also completed 60 percent of his passes. He did a lot to give the Apollos one of the league’s only great passing attacks and proved that he may have what it takes to compete for a backup job at the NFL level.

Gilbert could be a low-cost option to provide some extra competition at the quarterback position, which they desperately need in the wake of Alex Smith‘s injury. And notably, Gilbert is only turning 28 in July, so there may still be a chance for him to grow a bit. He would be a low-risk addition and may afford the Redskins an opportunity to wait a bit longer in the draft to get a quarterback.

One more note on the potential of Gilbert signing in Washington: Gilbert started his college career at Texas as the backup to…Colt McCoy. Gilbert replaced McCoy when he got hurt in the 2010 BCS National Championship against Alabama. This has no impact on Washington’s ability to sign Gilbert, but it is an interesting note.

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