Pro Football Rumors
Will Grier‘s football journey continued in 2026 with a return to the Panthers being worked out. The veteran quarterback is set to handle No. 3 duties with his original team as a result.
Prior to deciding on his latest playing contract, though, Grier received the opportunity to begin his coaching career. The Cowboys offered the 31-year-old a spot on Brian Schottenheimer‘s staff following the 2025 season (which was spent on Dallas’ practice squad). As recalled by Grier’s father Chad, Will nearly accepted the offer.
“Man, there’s not a huge chance you’re gonna play [in Carolina] this year,” Chad Grier said (via The Athletic’s Joe Person). “But there’s zero chance you get to play if you’re coaching. So I would say you stay in that league as a player as long as you possibly can. You have the rest of your life to coach.”
Grier entered the NFL as a Panthers draftee in 2019. The former third-rounder made two appearances as a rookie, but he has not seen any regular-season action since. Grier has managed to remain in the NFL, though, and he will add at least one more season to his resume from a playing perspective. Given the willingness of the Cowboys to add him to their staff, future opportunities can certainly be expected beginning next year.
In 2026, the Panthers will once again have Bryce Young as their starting quarterback. The coming season will be critical as Carolina gives thought to a long-term extension in his case. The team signed Kenny Pickett in March in a move which set up the trade sending Andy Dalton to Philadelphia. Grier is slated to spend 2026 behind those two on the depth chart.
Playing time during the fall is once again highly unlikely as a result. Nevertheless, Grier represents a candidate to immediately transition to coaching once he elects to hang up his cleats.
