A Charlotte native is heading back home after years around the league. The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday, April 21, that quarterback Will Grier has rejoined the team that drafted him in 2019.
Now 31, Grier returns to a familiar organization as the Panthers build depth behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett ahead of the upcoming draft and preseason.
Grier remains one of North Carolina’s most prolific high school quarterbacks. At Davidson Day School, he threw 195 touchdowns in just 38 games. His most famous performance came in 2012, when he passed for 837 yards and 10 touchdowns in a single playoff game, a national record that still stands.
He later played college football at University of Florida and West Virginia University before Carolina selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Grier started two games as a rookie but did not record a win, finishing with four interceptions and no touchdowns. He was released after the 2021 preseason and has since spent time with multiple teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
He was part of the Eagles organization during their Super Bowl LIX victory and received a championship ring.
With only two regular-season appearances in his career, Grier now faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. He is expected to compete for a backup or practice squad role as the Panthers prepare for the season, which includes an extra preseason game in the Hall of Fame matchup against Arizona.
Grier comes from a football family. His father, Chad Grier, is the head coach at Providence Day School in south Charlotte.
For Charlotte fans, Grier’s return adds a hometown storyline to the Panthers’ offseason. While his role remains uncertain, his journey from local standout to NFL veteran brings renewed attention to the region’s growing football pipeline.
