The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back a familiar quarterback, Will Grier, after Dak Prescott was officially ruled out for the 2024 season. Grier will join the Cowboys’ practice squad.
“The Cowboys are signing Will Grier to their practice squad,” ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on X on November 12, 2024. “He was with the team in 2021-22.”
Grier, who had most recently been on Philadelphia’s practice squad, now joins Cooper Rush and Trey Lance in Dallas’ quarterback room, with Prescott set to undergo season-ending surgery.
After spending two seasons with the Cowboys, Grier was released ahead of the 2023 season. He has since had brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Will Grier Once Projected as 1st-Round Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed during his weekly interview with 105.3 The Fan that Prescott will require surgery to repair his hamstring, ending his season. Grier’s addition gives Dallas three active quarterbacks with Prescott sidelined.
Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, Grier was once regarded as a possible first-round pick in mock drafts. However, he ultimately fell to the third round, where the Carolina Panthers selected him with the No. 100 overall pick. After two seasons, Carolina released him, and Dallas picked him up off waivers in September 2021.
Dak Prescott Voiced Support for Will Grier Before His 2023 Cowboys Release
In his college days at West Virginia, Grier had a standout season in 2018, throwing for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions with a 67% completion rate, along with 3 rushing touchdowns.
While Grier hasn’t replicated his college success in the NFL, he remained in Prescott’s favor even after his release in 2023 when the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance. Prescott was vocal about Grier’s work ethic and attitude.
“I can’t say that I necessarily expected [a heads-up], no,” Prescott shared with ESPN’s Todd Archer after the Lance trade. “I understand though that that’s business… Honestly right now, my heart and my mind is with Will. So it’s a tough situation, honestly. Love that guy to death over there.”
Cooper Rush & Trey Lance Heading Toward Free Agency in 2025
The Cowboys now face uncertainty at the quarterback position for 2025. Both Lance and Rush are set to become free agents, while Prescott will be recovering from his surgery.
Grier could have a chance to compete for a roster spot as Prescott’s backup in 2025, particularly if Dallas loses both quarterbacks in free agency. With Prescott out, Grier’s return provides a potential opportunity to step onto the field, though the Cowboys’ playoff hopes have dimmed in Prescott’s absence.
