When Will Grier and his beard came to the Cowboys in September of 2021 many in Cowboys Nation were understandably excited. As a former third-round pick, Grier brought a level of draft pedigree even the starting quarterback lacked (Dak Prescott was a fourth-round pick).
The Cowboys, who somewhat notoriously neglect the backup QB spots, finally had a reserve signal-caller with developmental ability. It was a sight for sore eyes after watching Dallas’ other reserve QBs execute a pretty uninspiring preseason effort.
As many will remember, Dallas entered the 2021 preseason expecting Garrett Gilbert to claim to the QB2 role. Gilbert looked good in his limited action in 2020 and appeared to be the most talented of the bunch behind Prescott.
But after a disappointing preseason from Gilbert, they handed the top backup job to Cooper Rush (almost by default) and released Gilbert altogether. Dallas quickly scooped up Grier after Carolina released him in their own final roster cuts and essentially pegged Grier as their developmental QB going forward.
In the preseason of 2022 Grier showed his ability to move in the pocket and deliver quick and accurate passes in the pocket. It wasn’t enough to overtake Rush as the QB2 but it was progress and offered hope for the future.
Coming from an Air Raid offense background, Grier is best in a quick-strike timing-based offense. He’s not necessarily a creator or big play machine but he’s fully capable of doing the things a backup QB can do.
At the age of 28 and entering his fifth NFL season, the clock is ticking for Grier. The developmental status doesn’t last forever and at some point a prospect is what he is.
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Rush’s stranglehold on QB2 isn’t insurmountable but it will take some doing. As discussed earlier in the week, Rush rates as a fairly average backup in the NFL. While Grier has more talent than Rush, the track record of Rush will be tough to beat.
Rush went 4-1 while starting in 2022 because he played things safe and leaned on his defense and playmakers. It’s the kind of maturity Grier will need to show while simultaneously proving he can do more when the situation demands.
It’s hard to imagine a situation in which Grier doesn’t claim at least a top-3 QB spot on the Cowboys in 2023. His status on the team is likely safe (even if he’s an initial cut when the 53-man roster reduction takes place on August 31). But if Grier wants to show he can be more than the Cowboys QB3 this season he needs to have a strong training camp and preseason.
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