For the first time since 2020, the Dallas Cowboys won’t be participating in the NFL postseason. America’s Team is left being a playoff outsider after playing to an uninspiring 7-10 record, resulting in an early offseason in Dallas.
Even though the offseason action doesn’t pick up until free agency opens in March, the Cowboys haven’t wasted any time making a quarterback-related move.
Cowboys Sign QB Will Grier to Contract Extension
The Athletic‘s Jon Machota is reporting that the Cowboys have signed QB Will Grier to a contract extension on Monday. The decision comes only a few days after the 29-year-old QB was signed to the 53-man roster for the Week 18 showdown vs. the Washington Commanders.
The announcement comes as the Cowboys’ QB room faces uncertainty this offseason.
While Dak Prescott’s $240 million extension will keep him in Dallas through 2028, the Cowboys were left without a backup QB option as Trey Lance and Cooper Rush are set to become free agents in March. Even if he doesn’t wind up being the QB2 come September, extending Grier gave Dallas a much-needed contingency plan.
The former West Virginia product hasn’t seen any legitimate action since he started two games as a rookie for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. Grier left much to be desired in those performances, going 28-of-52 (53.8%) in the pocket for 228 yards and four interceptions.
Although those are far from the most glamorous numbers, Grier’s performances have improved with time — especially his work with Dallas.
In five games with the Cowboys during the 2022 and 2023 preseason, Grier completed 82 passes on 116 attempts 70.7% for 826 passing yards and six TDs to a pair of INTs. Preseason success doesn’t always translate to regular-season results, but it’s clear that the Cowboys could do much worse than Grier if he ends up being Prescott’s primary backup.
Grier’s role next season will likely depend on the Cowboys’ decision regarding Rush and Lance. The duo both had opportunities to start in Prescott’s absence as the 2024 campaign progressed, leaving time to tell if either did enough to be re-signed in the coming weeks.
For now, Grier will focus on doing whatever he can this offseason to hold on to the Cowboys’ QB2 job.
