According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed QB Will Grier to a one-year deal. This does come as a slight surprise following the recent addition of Kenny Pickett, but it’s a smar move nonetheless.
Who is Will Grier?
Will Grier was originally a third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers back in 2019 and has since spent time with the Cowboys, Chargers, Bengals, and Patriots.
Now 28 years old, the 6’1 signal-caller has only made two starts in his NFL career, both of which came in his rookie year. He’s got most of his NFL reps during preseason games, making 12 appearances since being drafted and ending the 2023 preseason as one of the best QB’s in the league.
He completed 76% of passes during last year’s preseason, throwing for 640 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
Despite his success, he wasn’t able to earn a significant role in a Patriots team that was starved of quarterbacking stability. Instead, the Pats rolled out the likes of Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham, later releasing their third-string QB who then briefly caught on with the Chargers before landing in Philly.
How does he fit the Eagles?
Perhaps the most obvious connection is his tie to Kellen Moore. The two overlapped during the 2021-22 seasons, giving the new Eagles offensive coordinator plenty of familiarity with Grier’s game. On the flip side of that, Grier will also be familiar with Moore’s system and likely be able to help players along as far as getting to grips with it.
This might put Tanner McKee on the hot seat, or simply provide an additional challenge to Kenny Pickett, who previously felt like an obvious lock to backup Jalen Hurts in 2024. Iron sharpens iron, and both of these players have flashed enough upside to be regarded as fringe starters. An Eagles Training Camp battle between the two would certainly be fun to watch, with a QB2 role being the ultimate prize.
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
