Dallas is very familiar with this 29-year-old quarterback after a two-year stint from 2021 to 2022. A former third-round pick by Carolina in 2019, he was claimed off waivers during final cuts in 2021 and served in third-string and emergency duties with Dallas for two seasons. When the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance in August 2023, the QB was pushed to the chopping block. But before that, he was given a chance to show his mettle in the team’s 2023 preseason finale. And how he did that!

He went off for 305 yards and four touchdowns, two passing and two rushing as the Cowboys beat the Raiders 31-16. In the post-game press conference, he was visibly emotional. “The hardest part on me is just leaving this place, to be honest. Got really close with the team. That’s the toughest part about what we do. I’ve been through harder things, and I’ll rebound and be just fine,” he had said, collecting himself several times. Even Dak Prescott felt the same vibes.

“It’s a tough situation, honestly. Love that guy to death over there. Plays his a** off, comes in, prepares the right way each and every day,” Dak had said back then. But he rejoined Dallas in November as part of the practice squad following the season-ending injury to Prescott. He didn’t get called till last Sunday’s regular-season finale, serving as Lance’s backup without any actual snaps taken. But, despite that, probably because of the emotion in the locker room is the reason why this quarterback, Will Grier is back for 2025.

Yes, you read that right. With both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this March, Grier is now the only other QB signed for 2025, along with Dak Prescott, as announced by the Cowboys on Monday. The West Virginia alum kicked off this season with the Eagles on a one-year deal, but Philly’s let him go halfway through. He was signed to the Cowboys’ active roster ahead of Week 18’s game against Washington. Will’s contract extension could prove to be more meaningful in the coming months.

His NFL journey has been all over the place, with him bouncing between teams almost every year. But the Cowboys could present his best opportunity to stick to a depth chart given their potential needs. Heading forward, Grier knows his role on the Cowboys roster and looks forward to filling it, and competing for it as well.

“I think the main thing I bring, right now, is I’m just trying to bring some good vibes to this locker room,” Grier said after he was signed to the practice squad. “I just want to come in here and enjoy everybody, to enjoy the opportunity to play football games for the Cowboys and try to win some games. That’s the main thing that I want to bring right now — is just some gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity the good Lord has given us.”

Top Comment by Lou1234

He not in it for the game. It’s all about him.

Share your take

Debate

Rush has been Prescott’s backup since 2017, leaving a brief departure to the Giants in 2020. With a 9-5 record now as a starting QB, Rush could have a solid market for teams looking for veteran depth. To put it straight, his asking price may go beyond what Dallas is willing to pay. Grier was only making about $1 million last year and might not see much of a raise in the extension. Stephen Jones is already speaking a lot about the team’s cap situation ahead of the offseason. So it is quite normal that they will be look to bargain every way tpossible.

Still, this move doesn’t mean that Dallas will/can not re-sign one of their existing backups. They may consider Rush’s continuity or some upside in Lance. But money will be the issue with either, for sure. But it’s possible that the Cowboys might wait for them both to test the market and then bring back one once the price comes down.

Will’s extension might become insignificant, eventually. But looking at his history with the Cowboys and what’s coming in free agency, it looks a little more important than just another contract move. Who knows, he might even be the fallback option for QB2 if the team doesn’t find a better option. The Cowboys have also decided to keep LB Darius Harris around, extending his contract after moving him to the active roster back in Week 16. On the flip side, they’ve said goodbye to RB Ezekiel Elliott, honoring his request to move on.

Ezekiel Elliott teamed up with Chargers after saying goodbye to Jerry Jones

Following his brief stint with the Cowboys this season, running back Ezekiel Elliott has joined forces with Jim Harbaugh. So, Elliott did make it to the playoffs. Or is it too early to say? Well, the RB is heading to the Chargers‘ practice squad. 

Making his debut with the Cowboys back in 2016, Elliott played for Jerry Jones’ team for seven years. After that, he had a brief stint with the Pats before returning to the Cowboys. Now, the RB has shifted homes again, this time to Los Angeles.

Called ‘Zeke’ by fans, the RB requested a release from his team, which Dallas agreed to. As per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are planning to sign Zeke Elliott to their practice squad, with the hope that the former Cowboys’ back gets up to speed quickly.

Soon after, the reports were confirmed when the NFL official page posted about the Chargers signing the three-time Pro Bowler. Although the Chargers have placed him on the practice squad, Zeke can prove his worth whenever he’s needed. After bidding goodbye to his former team, he’ll head straight to Texas with the Chargers.