What Happened to Will Grier?
Will Grier, a former NFL quarterback, officially announced his retirement from professional football on July 15, 2026, at the age of 31. His career spanned seven years, primarily as a backup and practice squad member for multiple teams, including two stints with his original drafting team, the Carolina Panthers. Grier's decision came after rejoining the Panthers in April 2026, having previously considered a coaching role with the Dallas Cowboys.
Quick Answer
Will Grier retired from the NFL on July 15, 2026, at the age of 31, concluding a seven-year career as a journeyman quarterback. He had recently signed with the Carolina Panthers in April 2026, the team that originally drafted him in 2019. Prior to his final stint with the Panthers, Grier had been released by the Dallas Cowboys in March 2026 and reportedly turned down an offer to join their coaching staff to pursue one more playing opportunity.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Davidson, North Carolina
William Grier was born in Davidson, North Carolina.
Suspended from Florida Gators for PEDs
While playing for the Florida Gators, Grier was suspended by the NCAA for one year after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Transfers to West Virginia
Following his suspension and departure from Florida, Grier transferred to West Virginia University, sitting out the 2016 season due to transfer rules.
Heisman Trophy Finalist at West Virginia
In his senior season at West Virginia, Grier finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and was a second-team All-Big 12 selection.
Drafted by Carolina Panthers
Will Grier was selected by his hometown team, the Carolina Panthers, in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Plays in First and Only NFL Regular Season Games
Grier made his only two regular-season NFL appearances, both starts, for the Carolina Panthers, completing 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
Claimed off waivers by Dallas Cowboys
After being waived by the Panthers, Grier was claimed by the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as a third-string quarterback for two seasons.
Waived by Cowboys after Trey Lance trade
The Cowboys waived Grier after acquiring Trey Lance, despite Grier's strong preseason finale performance where he threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns.
Signed by Los Angeles Chargers
After stints with the Bengals and Patriots practice squads, Grier was signed to the Chargers' active roster to back up Easton Stick following a Justin Herbert injury.
Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
Grier signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He was later released and re-signed to the practice squad.
Returns to Dallas Cowboys practice squad
Grier was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad for a second stint, remaining with the team through the 2025 season.
Released by Dallas Cowboys
After signing a reserve/futures contract in February, Grier was released by the Cowboys, having reportedly turned down a coaching offer.
Signs with Carolina Panthers (second stint)
Grier signed a free-agent deal to return to the Carolina Panthers, his original NFL team, for what would be his final playing opportunity.
Announces NFL Retirement
Will Grier officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, with the Carolina Panthers placing him on the reserve/retired list.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Will Grier's journey through professional football officially concluded on July 15, 2026, when the 31-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the NFL. His career, marked by significant college success and a challenging path in the pros, saw him bounce between several teams, primarily serving as a practice squad or third-string quarterback.
Grier, a highly touted prospect from West Virginia, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2018, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. His rookie season with the Panthers in 2019 saw his only regular-season NFL action, starting two games where he completed 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions. After his initial stint with Carolina, Grier was waived before the 2021 season.
His career then became a testament to perseverance, as he moved through various NFL organizations. He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys from 2021 to 2022, primarily as a third-string quarterback. In 2023, Grier had a particularly transient year, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad, then being signed to the New England Patriots' active roster, and later claimed by the Los Angeles Chargers to back up Easton Stick after a Justin Herbert injury. The 2024 season saw him with the Philadelphia Eagles, initially on their active roster before being released and re-signed to their practice squad, and then returning to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad in November 2024, where he remained through the 2025 season.
A significant turning point occurred in early 2026. After signing a reserve/futures contract with the Cowboys in February, Grier was released in March. It was revealed that the Cowboys had offered him a position on Brian Schottenheimer's coaching staff, an opportunity Grier was reportedly leaning towards. However, he ultimately decided to pursue one last playing opportunity, signing a free-agent deal to return to the Carolina Panthers in April 2026, his hometown team.
Despite rejoining the Panthers and participating in their offseason program, Grier chose to retire just before training camp. The Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list, effectively ending his playing career. His decision to retire, at 31, opens the door for a potential transition into coaching, a path he had already considered with the Cowboys. Grier's NFL career concludes with limited regular-season statistics but a reputation as a dedicated professional who consistently sought opportunities to compete.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Will Grier made different choices?