🚨 COWBOYS PART WAYS WITH WILL GRIER AFTER ADDING SAM HOWELL TO QB ROOM 👇

The Dallas Cowboys are making strategic moves in 2026, even when it comes to what may seem like backup roles on the roster. Just two days after signing Sam Howell to compete for the backup quarterback position behind Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have made the decision to part ways with veteran quarterback Will Grier.

Cowboys’ Quarterback Room Now Set

With Will Grier‘s release, the Cowboys’ quarterback room now includes Dak Prescott, Sam Howell, and Joe Milton III. NFL reporter Tom Downey confirmed the move on X (formerly Twitter), noting, “The Cowboys are back down to 3 QBs with the release of Will Grier.” This makes the Cowboys’ quarterback situation more streamlined as they move forward with Prescott leading the charge and Howell providing depth.

Grier’s Time in Dallas

Will Grier, 30, had two separate stints with the Cowboys, first in 2021 and 2022, and then in 2024 and 2025. He spent much of his recent time on the practice squad, with the Cowboys re-signing him to a futures deal in January 2026. However, the addition of Sam Howell appears to have pushed Grier out of the equation, with the Cowboys opting to go with three quarterbacks on the roster instead.

Grier’s Potential as Trade Bait in 2025

Before his release, there was some speculation that the Cowboys might trade Grier for a draft pick, especially after the addition of Joe Milton III in the offseason. Bleacher Report’s Mo Moton had predicted that Grier could become trade bait before the 2025 trade deadline. In August, Moton wrote: “Grier has put together solid preseason outings in recent years. Now, he can showcase himself to draw interest from other teams that see him as a No. 2 quarterback.” However, Grier’s role with the Cowboys has ultimately been reduced, with Howell now seen as the main backup behind Prescott.

Grier’s Career Journey: From Big 12 Star to NFL Journeyman

Will Grier had a standout college career, initially setting the national high school record for passing yards in a game. He began his college football career at Florida but was suspended for a season due to a performance-enhancing drug violation, which led him to transfer to West Virginia. There, he had two productive years, being named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2017 and making the All-Big 12 team in 2018 after throwing for 3,864 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

Grier was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite his potential, he spent much of his NFL career as a backup, including stints with several teams, including the Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, and Eagles. Grier made just two career starts in 2019, posting a 0-2 record, throwing for 228 yards, and recording no touchdowns and four interceptions.

Cowboys’ Trade for Joe Milton

The Cowboys made an intriguing move in 2025, trading for Joe Milton III, a quarterback who was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2024. Milton had a somewhat underwhelming rookie season but impressed in a meaningless regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills, winning his only start and throwing for a solid performance in a game where the Patriots were playing for pride rather than playoff positioning.

The trade for Milton signaled the Cowboys’ intention to bring in fresh competition for the backup quarterback role, further complicating Grier’s position on the roster. With Milton now on the roster and Howell brought in to compete, Grier’s release became an inevitable decision.

Looking Ahead: Dallas’ Quarterback Depth for 2026

With Will Grier now out of the picture, the Dallas Cowboys are set to go into the 2026 season with Dak Prescott as their unquestioned starter. Sam Howell and Joe Milton will provide depth behind Prescott, each offering different skill sets that could be useful depending on the situation.

As the Cowboys continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, they’ll be looking for stability at the quarterback position, hoping that Prescott can stay healthy and lead them deep into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the team’s decision to release Grier shows they are confident in the talent and potential of Howell and Milton to serve as reliable backups, leaving Grier‘s future in doubt as he looks to find a new home in the NFL.

Key Highlights:

• Will Grier released by the Dallas Cowboys, leaving them with Dak Prescott, Sam Howell, and Joe Milton III on the quarterback roster.

• Grier had two stints with the Cowboys (2021-2022 and 2024-2025), spending time primarily on the practice squad.

• Grier was a Big 12 standout at West Virginia and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019.

• Joe Milton III was acquired by the Cowboys in a trade from the Patriots in 2025 and will provide competition for the backup QB spot.

• Grier’s release opens the door for Milton and Howell to solidify their spots behind Prescott.