Veteran QB Surprisingly Retires Before Training Camp

After a journeyman career with six different NFL teams, veteran backup quarterback Will Grier is calling it a career at age 31.

Grier last played for the Carolina Panthers, which announced his retirement on Wednesday. It comes as a surprise since Grier hasn't dealt with many injuries, and being a backup quarterback is one of the most envied positions in sports.

Grier could easily collect another $1 million or so per year as a team's backup quarterback with minimal risk of long-term injuries. The former West Virginia standout could have been a backup behind quarterbacks Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett.

Grier had plenty of experience from his time with the Panthers the first time around, the Dallas Cowboys twice, the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles. His career numbers consisted of a 53.8% completion rate for 228 yards and four touchdowns, so his time on the field didn't amount to what the Panthers envisioned with a third-round pick in 2019.

Grier made two starts in 2019, in which he posted the aforementioned numbers, and he hasn't seen a field since. Nonetheless, Grier found a home each season and earned a paycheck.

That may not be how anyone envisions an NFL career, but Grier had a steady career. He played for the Panthers from 2019 to 2021, and he landed with the Cowboys after a release that year.

Dallas kept him around until the Trey Lance trade in 2023, and Grier bounced around that year with the Bengals, Patriots and Chargers.

Grier then found opportunities with the Eagles and Cowboys in 2024, and Dallas kept him through the 2025 season. Carolina looked ready for him to compete for a roster or practice squad spot, but he ultimately chose retirement instead.

Grier could be heading for coaching, based on his father, Chad Grier, telling The Athletic that, but for now, the younger Grier can enjoy calling it a career as a player.

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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 10:04 PM.