Will Grier Gets Second Chance with Carolina Panthers

Will Grier is returning to the Carolina Panthers, the team that originally drafted him in 2019, after spending four years with other NFL franchises. The Panthers announced on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, that they have reached an agreement with the former third-round pick to provide depth at the quarterback position behind starter Bryce Young.

Grier, who grew up and played high school football in the Charlotte area, previously had two starts as a rookie with the Panthers in 2019 but did not throw a touchdown pass and threw four interceptions in those games. He spent the 2020 season with Carolina before moving to other teams, most recently serving as the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys.

Since the 2019 season, Grier has not attempted a pass or played in an NFL game. His return to Carolina aims to add experience to the quarterback room as he competes with Kenny Pickett for the backup role behind Young.

Background on Will Grier’s NFL Journey

The Panthers selected Grier with the 100th overall pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After his initial stint in Carolina, he played for the Dallas Cowboys, where he backed up Prescott without appearing in a game, and had brief periods with other organizations before this latest agreement.

Grier’s time with the Cowboys did not include any game action, as he remained exclusively in a backup capacity during his tenure there. His NFL career statistics demonstrate limited offensive production, with no touchdown passes and four interceptions in his two starts for the Panthers in 2019.

Current Quarterback Situation in Carolina

The Panthers enter the 2026 season with Bryce Young as their established starting quarterback. Young, the 2023 first overall pick, has solidified his role as the team’s signal-caller entering his third NFL season.

Behind Young, the competition for the backup quarterback position will involve Grier and Kenny Pickett, who was signed earlier in the offseason to replace Andy Dalton. Pickett brings recent NFL experience, having started games for the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining Carolina.

This quarterback room composition reflects the Panthers’ strategy of balancing a young starter with veteran backups who can provide guidance and readiness if called upon.

Implications for the Panthers’ 2026 Season

Adding Grier to the quarterback depth chart provides the Panthers with a familiar face who understands the organization’s systems and culture from his previous time with the team. His local roots in the Charlotte area may also facilitate a smoother transition back into the locker room.

While Grier is not expected to challenge Young for the starting position, his presence adds a layer of experience and competition to the backup role. The coaching staff will evaluate both Grier and Pickett during training camp and the preseason to determine the final depth chart ordering.

The Panthers’ decision to re-sign Grier highlights their approach to roster building, which includes revisiting former players who have demonstrated potential and familiarity with the franchise.

Next Steps for Will Grier and the Panthers

Grier will now report to the Panthers’ offseason program and participate in training camp as he competes for a roster spot. The team’s first preseason game is scheduled for August 2026, though the exact date and opponent have not been finalized in the current information cycle.

Fans and analysts will monitor Grier’s performance in practice and preseason action to assess how he has developed during his time away from Carolina and whether he can contribute meaningfully to the team’s quarterback depth.

As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, the quarterback competition will be a storyline to watch, particularly how Grier integrates with the coaching staff and teammates upon his return.

For ongoing updates on the Panthers’ quarterback situation and other team news, fans can follow the club’s official channels and local sports media outlets covering the Carolina franchise.

Share your thoughts on Will Grier’s return to Carolina and what it means for the team’s quarterback depth in the comments below.