Football is a weird business. One day you’re throwing for 300 yards in a preseason finale, looking like the next big thing, and the next, you’re clearing out a locker because the team traded for a former first-round pick while you were still on the field. That’s basically been the life of Will Grier. Specifically, his relationship with the Dallas Cowboys has been a literal roller coaster of "we want you," "we don't," and "actually, come back."
Right now, as we sit in early 2026, the Cowboys QB Will Grier practice squad saga is one of those roster quirks that fans have just come to accept. He’s the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" guy. But why? Why does a guy who hasn't started a regular-season game since his rookie year in 2019 keep getting calls from Jerry Jones and company?
It's not just about a lack of better options. It's about stability in a room that has seen a lot of turnover lately.
The Quarterback Room Shuffle
The Cowboys' depth chart has been a bit of a moving target. You’ve got Dak Prescott, obviously. He's the guy. But behind him? It’s been a revolving door. For a while, it was Cooper Rush, the reliable backup who saved the season once or twice. Then there was the Trey Lance experiment, which cost a fourth-round pick and ended with more questions than answers.
Enter the 2025-2026 era. Dallas decided to get younger and more explosive by bringing in Joe Milton III. Milton’s got a cannon for an arm—seriously, he can probably throw it through a brick wall—but he’s still a project. He’s raw. That’s where Will Grier comes in.
Grier was signed back to the practice squad in August 2025 after being released during the final roster cuts. It was the third time the team had brought him back. Honestly, at this point, he probably has a preferred parking spot at The Star in Frisco.
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The logic is simple:
- System Familiarity: Grier knows the playbook. He knows the terminology. If Dak's helmet radio goes out, Grier is the guy on the sideline who can help translate.
- The "Extra Coach" Factor: In 2024, when he had a stint with the Eagles, he was described as almost an extra coach. He brings that veteran presence to a room where the actual backup (Milton) is still learning how to be a pro.
- Emergency Protocol: Since the NFL changed the emergency third-QB rule, having a guy like Grier on the practice squad is a massive safety net. He can be elevated on game day without taking up a permanent 53-man roster spot unless they absolutely need him to suit up as the active backup.
Why Grier Stays on the Fringe
You’ve got to feel for the guy a little bit. In the 2023 preseason, Grier played the game of his life against the Raiders. He threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more. It was a masterpiece. The catch? He already knew he was being cut because the Cowboys had just traded for Trey Lance. He played that entire game knowing it was a farewell tour.
Since then, he’s bounced to the Bengals, the Patriots, the Chargers, and the Eagles. He’s seen a lot of playbooks. He’s sat in a lot of meeting rooms.
But the reason he ends up back on the Cowboys QB Will Grier practice squad list is that the coaching staff trusts his eyes. Brian Schottenheimer and Mike McCarthy aren't looking for a superstar at the QB3 spot; they're looking for someone who won't mess up the scout team and can handle the mental load of a backup. Grier is "seasoned," as he put it himself during his 2024 return.
The Current State of Affairs (Early 2026)
As of January 2026, the Cowboys are navigating the postseason/offseason transition. Grier remains that familiar face in the building. While the active roster usually only carries Dak and Milton, Grier is the insurance policy.
It’s worth noting that being on the practice squad in 2026 isn't what it used to be. It’s no longer just for "kids." Veterans like Grier use it to stay relevant and stay "warm" in case a team loses a starter. We saw it in 2024 when Dak went down with that hamstring injury—the team immediately called Grier because they needed someone who didn't need three weeks to learn the snap counts.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans think that if a guy is on the practice squad, he's "not good enough." In the NFL, "good enough" is relative. Grier is likely better than 99% of the quarterbacks on the planet. He’s just not one of the top 32.
But in a league where injuries are 100% guaranteed, having a "top 60" guy like Grier on your speed dial is a luxury. He provides a level of comfort for the coaching staff. They know exactly what they’re getting: a high-IQ player who can manage a huddle and won't panic if he has to step in for a series.
Moving Forward: What's Next for Grier?
The cycle will likely continue. Unless another team offers him a guaranteed spot on an active 53-man roster—which, let's be real, hasn't happened in a while—he’s found a home in Dallas.
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If you're following the Cowboys' roster moves, here is what to keep an eye on:
- Contract Tenders: Watch for whether the Cowboys sign Grier to a "reserve/future" contract. This is a standard move for practice squad players at the end of a season to keep them for the next training camp.
- Draft Day: If Dallas drafts another quarterback in April, that’s usually the signal that Grier’s time is finally up.
- The Milton Progression: Grier’s job security is ironically tied to how fast Joe Milton develops. If Milton becomes a reliable QB2, the need for a "vet" presence like Grier on the practice squad diminishes.
For now, Will Grier is the ultimate survivor. He's turned a practice squad role into a multi-year career in one of the highest-pressure environments in sports. Not bad for a guy who many wrote off years ago.
Actionable Insight for Fans: When tracking the Cowboys' depth, don't just look at the 53-man roster. The practice squad "elevations" are a key part of modern NFL strategy. If Dak or Milton has even a minor "tweak" during Friday practice, expect to see Grier's name on the Saturday transaction wire. It’s the safest bet in Dallas.