The veteran quarterback announced his retirement, per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site, and Carolina placed him on the reserve/retired list in a corresponding move.
Grier, 31, was a Charlotte-area native who returned to his hometown team on a one-year deal earlier this offseason before deciding to walk away just days before the start of training camp.
A Well-Traveled Career
Grier was selected in the third round, 100th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Panthers out of West Virginia.
He started just two games in his career, both with Carolina in 2019, but carved out a long run as a respected backup and scout-team presence.
Across seven seasons, Grier bounced around the league with stops in Carolina, Dallas, Cincinnati, New England, Los Angeles with the Chargers, and Philadelphia before returning to the Panthers.
Hill I will die on:
— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) July 15, 2026
The 2015 Florida Gators win the National Championship if Will Grier doesn’t get busted. pic.twitter.com/eu6i6RQ5Jj https://t.co/4kaTS4mauZ
He even earned a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles for his contributions as a scout-team quarterback during their championship run, despite not appearing in a game.
Grier finished his career having completed 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Timing
The retirement announcement was somewhat unexpected.
Per reports, Grier had recently declined a coaching staff job offered by Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer because he wanted to continue his playing career.
Just months after re-signing with Carolina, though, he chose to retire rather than compete for a roster spot.
His decision clears the picture behind Panthers starter Bryce Young, with veteran Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King now the quarterbacks in the room.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales had spoken highly of Grier earlier in the offseason.
"Will's a guy that I evaluated when he came out, and always loved his game," Canales said.
