What Happened to William Grier?
Will Grier was a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2019 NFL Draft. After starting two games in his rookie season, he spent several years as a practice squad or backup quarterback for multiple NFL teams before returning to the Panthers in April 2026 and subsequently announcing his retirement from professional football on July 15, 2026.
Quick Answer
Will Grier's career with the Carolina Panthers began when he was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He started two games in his rookie season, but his initial tenure ended in 2021. After bouncing around several NFL teams, primarily on practice squads, Grier returned to the Panthers in April 2026 as a free agent. However, he announced his retirement from professional football on July 15, 2026, concluding his seven-year NFL career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Davidson, North Carolina
William Grier was born in Davidson, North Carolina.
Enrolls at Florida Gators
Grier began his college football career with the Florida Gators, redshirting his freshman year.
Suspended from Florida for PEDs
Grier received a one-year suspension from the NCAA after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, leading to his transfer from Florida.
Transfers to West Virginia
Grier announced his transfer to West Virginia University, sitting out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
Drafted by Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers selected Will Grier in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Makes First NFL Start
Grier made his first career NFL start for the Panthers against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 224 yards and three interceptions in a loss.
Final Start for Panthers (First Stint)
Grier made his second and final start for the Panthers in the Week 17 finale against the New Orleans Saints, exiting with a foot injury.
Released by Carolina Panthers
The Panthers released Grier as part of final roster cuts, opting to keep only two quarterbacks.
Claimed by Dallas Cowboys
Grier was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys, beginning his first stint with the team.
Waived by Cowboys after Trey Lance Trade
Grier was waived by the Cowboys following their trade for quarterback Trey Lance.
Journeyman Year (Bengals, Patriots, Chargers)
Grier spent the 2023 season on the practice squads or active rosters of the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
Grier signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Returns to Dallas Cowboys (Second Stint)
Grier was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad for his second tenure with the team.
Returns to Carolina Panthers (Second Stint)
The Carolina Panthers signed Grier as a free agent, bringing him back to the team that drafted him.
Announces Retirement from NFL
Will Grier announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, concluding his seven-year NFL career.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Will Grier's professional football journey began when the Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, a significant moment for the local North Carolina product. He entered the league with high expectations, having been a standout quarterback at West Virginia, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018.
His initial stint with the Panthers saw him as the third-string quarterback behind Cam Newton and Kyle Allen in 2019. Grier made his first career start in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he threw for 224 yards and three interceptions in a 38-6 loss. He started again in the Week 17 season finale but exited due to a foot injury, finishing with just four yards and a pick-six in another loss. In 2020, under new head coach Matt Rhule, Grier was relegated to third-string behind Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Walker, not playing in any games. His first tenure with the Panthers concluded on August 31, 2021, when he was released after the team opted to keep only two quarterbacks on the roster.
Following his departure from Carolina, Grier embarked on a journeyman career across the NFL. He was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys in September 2021, where he spent two seasons primarily as a third-string or practice squad quarterback. A key turning point came in August 2023 when the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance, leading to Grier's release. He then had brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers, mostly on practice squads, throughout the remainder of 2023.
In March 2024, Grier signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who had been with him in Dallas. He was released by the Eagles in August 2024 but re-signed to their practice squad, only to be released again in November. He returned to the Dallas Cowboys for a second stint in November 2024, initially on the practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster in January 2025. He spent the 2025 season on the Cowboys' practice squad after being released during final cuts and re-signed to a reserve/futures contract in February 2026, only to be released again in March 2026.
In a surprising turn, Grier returned to the Carolina Panthers on April 21, 2026, signing as a free agent to provide depth behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett. However, his reunion with his original team was short-lived. On July 15, 2026, at the age of 31, Will Grier announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a seven-year NFL career that saw him play in only two regular-season games, both with the Panthers in his rookie year.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if William Grier made different choices?