New England Patriots waive quarterback ahead of tilt against New York Giants

Grier joined the Patriots in mid-September. The Pats waived him ahead of their Week 12 game, leaving the team with three quarterbacks. 

Will Grier: College standout turned NFL journeyman

Grier shined during his final two college seasons, tossing 71 touchdowns to 21 picks with the West Virginia Mountaineers. He parlayed his success into becoming the 100th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers. Grier played two games as a rookie, going 28-52 with 228 yards and four picks while leading the Panthers to a 0-2 record. The former prospect lasted just two more seasons in Carolina, getting released in 2021 before playing another regular-season snap with the franchise. 

Grier inked a contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, bouncing between the active roster and practice squad until his release at the end of this year’s preseason. The 28-year-old played well in those summer contests, including throwing for 305 yards and two scores in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. After a short stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, Grier joined the Patriots. 

New England Patriots: Question marks at quarterback in 2023

The Patriots have struggled mightily at quarterback this season, as a team throwing just 10 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 10 games. Former first-round pick Mac Jones is at the center of the struggles, leading to head coach Bill Belichick refusing to name a starter in preparation for Sunday’s contest against the Giants. 

New England could call upon former Western Kentucky gunslinger Bailey Zappe or rookie Malik Cunningham to start in Week 12. Zappe played well last season, tossing five touchdowns against three picks while leading the Pats to a pair of wins. Cunningham starred at Louisville in college but has yet to throw a pass during the NFL's regular season. He only threw six passes during the preseason.