By: Jeff Risdon |
In years past, the thought of the Browns signing a veteran QB just before the NFL draft send shivers down spines all over Cleveland. But now that the team has Baker Mayfield as the franchise QB, such a move only raises an eyebrow and provides competition for the backup spot.
That’s the case with the Browns signing AAF standout Garrett Gilbert to the team. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports the Browns will ink Gilbert, the leading passer in the recently disbanded AAF with the Orlando Apollos.
Gilbert, 27, has bounced around the NFL extensively since being drafted in the sixth round in 2014 by the Rams. He spent the last two seasons on and off the Panthers practice squad. He completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for 2,152 yards in just eight games for the Apollos, tossing 13 TDs and 3 INTs.
He should compete with Drew Stanton for the backup spot behind Mayfield or perhaps linger as a third QB if the team opts to keep three.
I still want Brogan Robach............back! :)
I guess Garrett should be placing a call here.......
https://neffbrosrv.com/bakers-famous-qb-rv-is-for-sale/
I think this is a really solid signing that fills a need and fortifies the roster.
The football reasons that bode success for Gilbert in Cleveland are that the bloom was off the rose so to speak for Garrett. His pro career never panned out like he had planned - until the AAF happened. Then the light bulb went on, and it burned bright. Some kids just take longer to mature, and you could see in Garrett's case, a small drop of self confidence going a long way. His detractors will say it was against inferior competition, so it doesn't matter. What was supposed to do with the opportunity - suck like Hackenburg? Please. He led his team to 7 wins in 8 games.
Look at the coaching staff he inherits here: Todd Monken OC, Adam Henry WR, John Lilly TE, Ryan Lindley QB, Stump Mitchell RB, and maybe most importantly, James Campen OL. Campen's boys will keep Garrett clean and upright, and power the running game to keep the heat off of him.
The personal side of things is that Garrett was Baker's predecessor at Lake Travis High School in Austin, TX. (And Baker's successor @ LTHS is Matt Baldwin - now competing for the starting QB at Ohio State). Those two are cut from the same cloth - they had to earn every spec of success they have had at the pro level. Take a peek what happened when these two met in college
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/before-they-occupied-browns-qb-room-together-baker-mayfield-and-garrett-gilbert-
I fully expect these two to drive each other professionally. And let's not forget Drew Stanton's role here too.
This was also a brilliant move by the front office. They chose not to sign higher priced free agents (Fitz). I like where our QB room is now.
Almost 3 hours long....................Brooksie what are you doing to us! :)
The genius of Dorsey strikes again here.
Preseason game 2 in Indianapolis, and Garrett is called upon to start. Let's be fair here - Garrett struggled in his first two series of the afternoon against Indianapolis' front line defense. It was in his third series, with some of the Colts' sub beginning to rotate in that Garrett began to find a rhythm and find success. However, also to be fair - Garrett did not have his first line weapons at his disposal either, so the 1 vs 2 argument goes out the window.
This game showed me EXACTLY why we signed Garrett. He stood in the pocket against good pressure. He delivered strong accurate passes at the proper time. Sometimes he had to wait longer (TD to Jaelen).
But overall - he looked the part. He had command of the huddle. He knew what to do, and when to do it. His body language said that he was no longer a free agent just trying to make this football team, but the confident veteran that he is, and he belongs at the NFL level.
I think his performance locked up his spot on the final 53. TBH - if the Browns are foolish enough to expose him to waivers thinking they can recall him if Baker goes down, that would be an "Un-Dorsey like" decision. After yesterday's game - and the tape of him in the now defunct AAF - If he hits the streets, he gone within 24 hours. David Blough's chances of making the final 53 just went to less than zero. If we keep 4 QBs, David will land on the practice squad.
as well they should, I think they found a gem at backup, I like the way he looks in the pocket and he seems to make quick decisions and he's accurate with his passes. So, I say good job Mr.Dorsey, chalk another one up for the good guys in orange and brown. lol
As I have said for many years rab - you can find guys that fit that profile all day every day in the CFL. That game is played, and decisions need to be made at a much quicker pace, than in college. And it is a pro league.
Many many life skills necessary to succeed in the CFL transfer well to the NFL.
But yes - good for them signing Gilbert
Oh, I agree brooksie, the browns should look into the CFL more often, as should all teams. It can never hurt to give it a try.
Just say no to a certain "pint sized" QB that washed out with 2 CFL teams.......
Hey rab - does attending Friday night's game in Tampa fit into your plans??
I can hear the chant now all the way from the 813.....
"HERE WE GO BROWNIES - HERE WE GO!!!"
But what the hell - it will almost an arctic invasion there.....
Friday's high forecast at only 88° with only scattered showers.........