Ex-Cowboys Quarterback Announces Sudden Retirement At 31, Just Before Training Camp

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Will Grier’s second stint with the Carolina Panthers has come to an unexpected end before it ever really began.

The Panthers placed the 31-year-old quarterback on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday after he informed them of his decision to retire.

“Will Grier came back to his hometown team three months ago, but his comeback won’t continue into training camp,” the team announced. “The veteran quarterback has chosen to retire. The Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday.”

Grier returned to the Panthers earlier this offseason after signing with the team in free agency.

His retirement leaves Carolina with Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, and rookie Haynes King as the only remaining quarterbacks.

Grier entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the Panthers in the 2019 NFL Draft after starring at West Virginia.

The Davidson, North Carolina, native appeared in two games during his rookie season. He completed 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards while throwing four interceptions.

Those games marked his only regular-season action in the NFL.

Carolina Turns Full Attention To Bryce Young And Quarterback Competition As Will Grier Calls It Quits

Although Grier never returned to the field during the regular season, he remained a valuable depth option around the league.

He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys across two separate stints. He also joined the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles before returning to Carolina this spring.

Grier earned praise throughout his career for his professionalism and preparation despite limited opportunities on game days.

The Panthers now move forward with Bryce Young entering a pivotal third season. The former No. 1 overall pick showed significant progress late last year and enters training camp as the unquestioned starter. Kenny Pickett, acquired in an offseason trade, is expected to serve as the primary backup, while undrafted rookie Haynes King will compete for a roster spot.

Carolina opens training camp later this month with a streamlined quarterback room.

Grier’s retirement closes the book on a professional career that spanned seven NFL seasons and included stops with six different franchises.