Dallas Cowboys Sign Veteran Quarterback to Provide Competition for Joe Milton

By Mike Moraitis

In a move that signals their commitment to deepening the quarterback position, the Dallas Cowboys have announced the signing of Will Grier to a futures contract, as they gear up for the 2026 NFL season. Grier, a 30-year-old veteran, spent part of the 2025 season on the Cowboys’ practice squad after failing to make the final roster. His contract expired in January, but now he gets another shot at competing for a role on the team.

A Familiar Face Returns to Dallas

Grier, who was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, has had a relatively short and uneventful NFL career so far. Over his three years in the league, he has started only two games, both of which came in his rookie season with the Panthers. During those two starts, Grier completed 53.8% of his passes for 228 yards, with zero touchdowns and four interceptions. These limited appearances didn’t provide Grier with much opportunity to make a lasting impact, and his career seemed to stall after that.

After his time with the Panthers, Grier found a new home in Dallas as a practice squad player in 2025, after failing to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster out of training camp. Dallas opted to go with Joe Milton as the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott that season, leaving Grier to continue working on the practice squad, where he didn’t see any game action throughout the year. Despite this, his return to the Cowboys indicates that the team sees potential value in having Grier around, offering him another opportunity to compete.

The Backup Quarterback Battle: Grier vs. Milton

The primary purpose of Grier’s return to the Cowboys’ roster is to offer competition for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott. Joe Milton, who was chosen as Prescott’s backup for much of the 2025 season, will likely enter training camp as the frontrunner for the spot. Milton, a young quarterback with a powerful arm and considerable upside, showed flashes of potential last season, but still has much to prove. His future with the team will depend on his ability to continue improving and take on a greater role within the offense.

For Will Grier, the battle for the backup job won’t be easy. Although his NFL experience might give him an edge in terms of familiarity with the demands of the league, his performance in limited opportunities—notably, his less-than-ideal stats from his time with the Panthers—means he will need to show significant improvement during training camp and the preseason to secure a spot.

While Milton’s upside is appealing, especially considering his physical tools, Grier’s ability to read defenses and handle the pressure of a starting job, however brief it may have been, gives him valuable experience. The Cowboys will have to decide whether Grier’s familiarity with their system and his prior experience can surpass Milton’s potential.

The Cowboys’ Quarterback Depth and Future

The Cowboys’ quarterback position is critical to the team’s success in 2026, as Dak Prescott remains the franchise’s centerpiece. Prescott is coming off a solid season, but with injuries always being a potential concern for a player of his caliber, the Cowboys need to have reliable depth behind him. Having two quarterbacks who can step up at a moment’s notice is vital to any team that harbors Super Bowl aspirations, and this is why Grier’s return could ultimately provide a safety net for the Cowboys in case of injury or performance issues from Prescott or Milton.

Despite his limited playtime in the NFL, Grier’s experience as an NFL backup over the years and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ offensive system could be the ticket to earning a spot on the roster. As a quarterback who has seen very little game action, his value may lie in his ability to step in as an emergency backup and provide support if Prescott or Milton is unavailable. Grier will be hoping to impress in training camp and secure a position on the Cowboys’ roster for the 2026 season.

One possible outcome is that Grier lands on the practice squad once again after final cuts. This is a reasonable scenario, as the Cowboys’ roster is already crowded, and Grier would provide additional depth without taking up a spot on the active roster. Should the Cowboys choose to bring in another quarterback via free agency or the draft, Grier would still provide them with a solid backup option in case of emergency.

Can Grier Prove Himself?

Ultimately, Grier’s journey back to Dallas represents an important opportunity for him. After a career marked by limited success, he has one more chance to make an impact with the Cowboys. To stay relevant in the team’s future plans, Grier must showcase his growth as a quarterback. He has the opportunity to prove that he can handle a backup role at the highest level of football and that he is capable of contributing to a playoff-contending team.

However, Grier faces stiff competition. While his NFL experience provides some credibility, Milton’s upside and the Cowboys’ long-term plans could ultimately leave him as the backup quarterback heading into the season. Grier’s window to prove himself may be small, but if he can show any significant improvement during camp, he could very well earn a chance to play for the Cowboys in 2026.

Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for 2026, and ensuring that they have solid depth at quarterback is a key component of their plan. While Dak Prescott is the clear starter, Joe Milton and Will Grier are in a tight battle for the backup role. Who wins this job will not only impact the depth chart but also the team’s chances of going deep into the playoffs if Prescott is forced to miss time.

For Grier, this contract represents an opportunity to prove that his time in the NFL isn’t over. He has a chance to add value to the Cowboys’ depth and to be ready if his number is called. For Milton, the pressure is on to prove that he can perform at a high level and earn his spot as the reliable backup for one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

As the 2026 season draws nearer, Cowboys fans will be closely watching this battle unfold, as quarterback depth is often a deciding factor in a team’s success. Grier’s return to Dallas is just the beginning of what could be a pivotal quarterback competition for the Cowboys.

The addition of Will Grier brings a fresh dynamic to the Cowboys’ quarterback room, and the battle between him and Joe Milton could play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future. As the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 season, the backup quarterback position is one of the many exciting storylines to watch as the team looks to build a contender for the Super Bowl