Veteran NFL quarterback Will Grier retires after seven seasons

Jul 16, 2026, 4:47 AM CUT

August 9, 2025 Inglewood, CA.Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 runs in for the touchdown in action in the fourth quarter during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA pre-season football game. Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams.Mandatory Photo Credit: /Cal Media Inglewood United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250809_zma_c04_176 Copyright: xLouisxLopezx

Quarterback Will Grier has called time on his NFL career after seven seasons, ending a journey that took him through six franchises. The Carolina Panthers announced on Wednesday that the 31-year-old has retired, despite rejoining the team earlier this offseason.

According to the Panthers, Grier has been placed on the reserve/retired list after participating in the team's offseason program. The former quarterback returned to Carolina in April.

Grier initially considered a coaching opportunity that the Dallas Cowboys had offered him. However, he decided to continue playing. He entered the NFL as Carolina's third-round selection in the 2019 draft after a standout run at West Virginia.

August 9, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 in actions against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason football game at SoFi Stadium, Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles USA - ZUMAc68_ 20250809_zaf_c68_108 Copyright: xRingoxChiux

He made two starts as a rookie before spending time with the Cowboys, Bengals, Patriots, Chargers and Eagles, primarily serving as a backup or practice-squad quarterback, as reported by the Panthers on July 15.

Grier spent his longest stretch with the Cowboys. The franchise and coaches valued his work behind the scenes, and he became a trusted voice in the quarterback room.

He also turned heads during the 2023 preseason. Grier threw for 305 yards and recorded four touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although his NFL opportunities were limited, Grier's retirement prompted an outpouring of support from teammates and friends across the league.

NFL players celebrate Grier's career

After his retirement, many NFL stars acknowledged Grier’s playing style and production in his career.

In a recent Instagram Story, Dak Prescott shared a message after Grier announced his decision, congratulating his former Dallas Cowboys teammate on the next chapter of his career.

He wrote, "Never retired, just switching lanes. Congrats, my brother."

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also commented, "704 made".

Meanwhile, former Panthers teammate Christian McCaffrey also shared his emotions about having had Grier as a teammate.

He wrote, "Legend man. I loved playing with you. Also, sickest way to retire haha 'retired today'."

Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson also seemed nostalgic as he recalled the role Grier played early in his career.

"First NFL pass came from the Thrill golden arm. Changed my life," Ferguson wrote.

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown also wished Grier well, saying he was grateful their careers crossed paths. His message was one of many others that followed the quarterback's retirement announcement on Instagram.

Grier never found long-term success in the NFL, but he earned plenty of respect inside locker rooms.

With Grier gone, the Panthers will head into training camp with Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, and rookie Haynes King competing in the quarterback room.

What are your thoughts on Will Grier's retirement? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit