Garrett Grayson has had quite the football journey.

After breaking Colorado State’s all-time passing record, Grayson (6-2, 220 pounds) was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft. Originally, Grayson was probably viewed as a possible long-term prospect behind starter Drew Brees. That plan didn’t work out as Grayson lasted just two seasons in New Orleans.

After being cut by the Saints, Grayson spent one year on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. After being waived by the Falcons last September, a new league came calling: the Alliance of American Football.

The AAF, which begins play in February, offers players three-year, $250,000 contracts (about $83,333 per season). Grayson joined the Salt Lake Stallions in September, giving him a chance to go from lowly practice squad QB in the NFL to a potential starting QB in the new league.

When the Denver Broncos offered him a spot on their practice squad, though, Grayson renewed his NFL dream, leaving the AAF at least temporarily. After the Broncos’ season ended, Denver offered him a “futures contract,” giving him a spot on the 90-man offseason roster starting in March.

Though he would not officially be part of the Broncos’ roster for three more months, signing a futures deal with Denver would void his AAF contract, which would rule out the chance of starting in the league this spring.

Grayson decided to accept the Broncos’ offer, likely in part because of the financial security it offered. Grayson’s 2019 salary is $645,000, more than double what he would have earned in three years in the AAF. And, if his return to the NFL doesn’t work out, Grayson can return to the Stallions for the 2020 season.

The 27-year-old quarterback will be competing with Kevin Hogan for one of Denver’s backup quarterback spots this summer.

Related Rahim Moore among former Broncos joining new AAF league

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