Will Grier Waived by New England; What’s Next?

While speculation has centered around who will start at quarterback for the New England Patriots on Sunday, the answer is not going to be Will Grier. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Grier has been waived by the Patriots.

Patriots’ QB news: New England waived quarterback Will Grier, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2023

The fact that Grier was not going to be the starter is no surprise. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have split first team reps this week, with Grier clearly the third quarterback. Bill O’Brien said earlier in the week that there were enough snaps available in practice for two quarterbacks to get plenty of reps. It is possible Grier comes back to New England as a member of the practice squad, though that remains to be seen.

Grier’s departure opens up a roster spot on the New England Patriots 53-man roster. It is possible that spot is filled by either OT Conor McDermott (currently on the practice squad) or Riley Reiff (currently on injured reserve). QB/WR/ST Malik Cunningham getting promoted is also an outside option.

The Patriots signed Will Grier on Sep. 22 off of the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.

In the 2019 NFL Draft, Grier was selected in the third round (#100 overall) by the Carolina Panthers. He remained with the Panthers for two seasons, getting two stars as a rookie. Grier struggled as a starter, completing 53.8% of his passes for 228 yards. He threw no touchdowns and four interceptions. Those two starts are the only NFL game action Grier has seen to date.

After being cut by Carolina before the 2021 season, Grier signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He remained on their roster for two seasons, bouncing between the practice squad and 53-man roster. At the end of training camp this season, Grier was waived by the Cowboys and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. Based on the season-ending injury to Bengals QB Joe Burrow, a reunion in Cincinnati could also be in the cards.

Will Grier never appeared in a game for the New England Patriots.