The NFL roster cycle is a brutal, never-ending machine. One day you’re wearing the midnight green, and the next, you’re looking for a new zip code. This week, we saw that reality play out again as the Philadelphia Eagles released quarterback Will Grier. If you’ve been following the birds lately, this might not come as a total shock, but the timing—right in the thick of January’s roster-shuffling season—definitely raised a few eyebrows at the NovaCare Complex.
Honestly, Grier's journey with the Eagles has been a bit of a whirlwind. He originally signed with Philly back in March 2024, largely because of his history with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. They had that Dallas connection, and for a minute, it seemed like Grier could be that reliable "coach on the field" veteran who stays in the building to help Jalen Hurts. But in this league, "for a minute" is usually all you get.
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The Quarterback Logjam in Philly
Basically, the Eagles' quarterback room is crowded. You’ve got Jalen Hurts as the undisputed face of the franchise. Then there’s Tanner McKee, the guy the coaching staff is clearly obsessed with. McKee has shown enough poise and arm talent that the front office feels comfortable with him as the primary backup. When you add the trade for Sam Howell—who the Eagles snagged from the Vikings earlier this year—there just wasn't a seat left at the table for Grier.
It’s a tough break for a guy who has been a "pro’s pro" everywhere he’s gone. Since being drafted in the third round by the Panthers back in 2019, Grier has spent time with the Cowboys, Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers. He’s the ultimate NFL journeyman. He even has a Super Bowl LIX ring from his brief stint with the Eagles last season, something he’s been seen wearing with pride. But rings don't guarantee roster spots in 2026.
Why the Philadelphia Eagles released quarterback Will Grier now
Timing is everything in the NFL. We are currently in the middle of January, a period where teams are transitioning from the 2025 season into the 2026 "Reserve/Future" contract phase. The Eagles have been busy. In the last few days, they’ve signed over a dozen players to futures deals, including guys like running back Carson Steele and defensive end Tarron Jackson.
When you start bringing in fresh blood for the upcoming 2026 campaign, you have to clear space. Because Grier was mostly a practice squad presence or a depth piece that shifted between the active roster and the fringes, he became the "odd man out" as the team looks to get younger and cheaper at the QB3 spot.
Howell, who the Eagles traded for to bolster their depth, carries more upside and a more recent history of starting games in the NFL. When you compare Grier’s 52 career passing attempts to what Howell brings, the math just doesn't work in Grier's favor anymore.
What’s next for Will Grier?
Does this mean Grier is done? Probably not. You’ve seen how this goes. A team loses a starter to an ankle sprain in August, and suddenly Will Grier is the first person they call. He knows Kellen Moore’s system, and he’s familiar with plenty of other playbooks across the league. He’s only 30 years old, which is basically a teenager in "backup quarterback years."
The reality of the Philadelphia Eagles releasing quarterback Will Grier is that it's more about the Eagles' future than Grier's past. The Birds are clearly committed to the Hurts-McKee-Howell trio heading into the 2026 offseason. They want a room that is young, high-upside, and capable of being developed. Grier, while valuable as a veteran presence, doesn't fit the "developmental" mold anymore.
The ripple effect on the Eagles' roster
Moving on from Grier allows Philly to use that practice squad or roster spot on a position with less stability. We saw them immediately prioritize defensive depth and special teams contributors this week. Honestly, keeping four quarterbacks in any capacity is a luxury most teams can't afford when they have holes to fill on the defensive line or at cornerback.
If you're a fan, don't expect a massive free-agent splash at quarterback to follow this. The Eagles are likely done with the position for a while. They’ve got their starter, their "QB of the future" backup in McKee, and a former starter in Howell who can provide a floor if things go sideways.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the NFL waiver wire over the next 48 hours. Grier is a prime candidate for a team looking to add a "veteran mentor" to a young QB room before training camps begin later this year. For Eagles fans, the focus now shifts to the 18 pending free agents the team has to deal with before the league year begins in March, specifically names like Nakobe Dean and Dallas Goedert whose futures are much more critical to the 2026 season than a third-string quarterback shuffle.