The former University of Texas star quarterback will be leaving his best friend Baker Mayfield in Cleveland. The former Browns backup quarterback was signed off the practice squad to join the Cowboys according to CBS Sports’ Tom Pelissero.
In 2019, Gilbert appeared in five games, owning just a 2-6 passing mark in his career. He is a former sixth-round pick by the ex-St. Louis Rams in 2014.
The move comes shortly after owner Jerry Jones said that the Cowboys would not trade for a quarterback. According to Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken, owner Jerry Jones shot down the idea of trading for a quarterback.
“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, whose 78th birthday is today, said on @1053thefan it is “unlikely” the team trades for a quarterback following Dak Prescott’s injury. Little interest in him. “We’ve got our quarterback in Andy Dalton.” Dalton gives the team the ability to run the offense as is.”
The question came on the heels of the Cowboys heading into the Andy Dalton era.
Dalton helped muscle the Cowboys to a 37-34 win over the Giants. Despite not scoring any touchdowns, he helped set up two critical field goals as he finished with 111 yards passing and a QBR of 108.7.
However, despite Dalton’s veteran success, there are some who doubt his ability to lead this team into contention.
In 2019, Dalton completed just 59.5% of his passes in a year where he finished with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He was 2-11 as a starter in his final year.
Gilbert will serve as Dalton’s backup moving forward.