With Dak Prescott officially out for the 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys are welcoming back a familiar face. Will Grier, a quarterback, is joining the Cowboys’ practice squad.
In a statement posted on X on November 12, 2024, ESPN’s Todd Archer explained that the Cowboys were adding Will Grier to their practice squad. He worked for the company from 2021 until 2022.
He was most recently a member of Philadelphia’s practice squad. With Dak Prescott considering season-ending surgery, the Cowboys now have three quarterbacks in the building.
Before being cut as Dallas finalized the team’s 53-man roster for the 2023 campaign, Grier had previously played two seasons with the Cowboys. The quarterback later had brief spells with the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, and Cincinnati Bengals. Grier most recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the past, Cowboys quarterback Will Grier was predicted to be selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
In his weekly appearance with 105.3 The Fan on November 12, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced that Prescott will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his hamstring. With Prescott out, Grier becomes Dallas’ third healthy quarterback, joining Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Prior to the 2019 NFL draft, Grier was considered one of the best quarterback prospects. In mock drafts, the quarterback was predicted to be selected in the first round.
Grier was ultimately taken in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, who took the quarterback with the 100th overall choice. Grier was cut by the Panthers in September 2021 following two seasons with Carolina. Following his release by the Panthers, Grier was claimed by the Cowboys off waivers.
Dak Prescott Addressed Will Grier Before His 2023 Cowboys Release
During his greatest collegiate season at West Virginia in 2018, Grier completed 67% of his passes and threw for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. In 2018, the quarterback also added three touchdowns on the ground.
Grier, regrettably, has not been able to achieve the same kind of success in the NFL. In August 2023, the Cowboys traded for Lance and released Grier. After the deal was completed, Prescott lauded Grier and seemed taken aback by the Lance acquisition.
According to Todd Archer of ESPN at the time, Prescott stated, “I can’t say that I necessarily expected [a heads-up], no.” However, I am aware that’s business. I am aware that they most likely have a deadline and must complete something. He believed that this squad was reinforced and that we were prepared to welcome [Lance] because of the quality of our quarterback room.
“To be honest, Will is on my mind and in my heart right now. To be honest, it’s a difficult issue. I adore that man over there. Every day, he comes in, plays his ass off, and gets ready properly.
Trey Lance and Cooper Rush will both be free agents in 2025.
As 2025 approaches, the Cowboys are now facing a great deal of uncertainty at quarterback. Prescott will be recuperating from season-ending surgery, and Lance and Rush will be free agents.
In the event that Dallas loses both quarterbacks in free agency, Grier might have an opportunity to make the 2025 roster and contend for Prescott’s backup spot. With the Cowboys’ prospects of qualifying for the postseason decreasing without Prescott at quarterback, it will be fascinating to see if Grier plays any games this season.