The Washington Commanders signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert on Dec. 17, 2021. Gilbert was a member of the New England Patriots practice squad when Washington signed him, reuniting him with his former head coach with the Carolina Panthers, Ron Rivera.
Four days after Washington signed Gilbert, he started a critical road game at the Philadelphia Eagles. Why did Washington sign Gilbert to start such a pivotal game? At the time, the Commanders were facing the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the NFL, and both of Washington’s quarterbacks, Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen, were on the COVID list.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Gilbert played reasonably well. He had a big completion to Terry McLaurin early that set up a score, giving the Commanders the lead. While Washington would come up short, it wasn’t Gilbert’s fault. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 194 yards. He didn’t turn the ball over, and Washington was in the game until late.
Heinicke and Allen would return from the COVID list for the next game and Gilbert would return to the bench as Washington’s third quarterback. He would not take another snap and entered free agency after the season.
On Saturday, Gilbert signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, again reuniting with an old coach. New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels was New England’s offensive coordinator in both of Gilbert’s stints with the Patriots.
Congratulations to Garrett Gilbert on agreeing to terms with the @Raiders! We’re excited to watch you get after it in Vegas GG! #Raiders #LasVegasRaiders pic.twitter.com/jEufgFmh2r
— Steinberg Sports (@SteinbergSports) March 19, 2022
After signing with the Raiders, Gilbert, entering his ninth NFL season in 2022, Gilbert has played on eight different teams, including two stints each in New England and with the Raiders.
That’s not bad work if you can find it.