Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) quarterback Mac Jones (10) and quarterback Will Grier (19) walk out of the tunnel prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots waive No. 3 QB Will Grier

Amid instability at the quarterback position, the New England Patriots are waiving Will Grier, ESPN reported Saturday.

The Patriots signed Grier, 28, to the active squad from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in September. He hasn’t seen any game action.

New England coach Bill Belichick has not named a starter for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. NBC Sports Boston reported Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe split the reps at quarterback during practice this week.

Zappe told reporters that he had not been informed whether he’d be starting.

“I’ve told everybody to be ready to go,” Belichick said Friday. “Hopefully, that’s what they’re all doing. I’m not going to announce starters at every position or whatever. Everybody will be ready to go.”

Jones was benched late in the fourth quarter of a 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 12 and replaced by Zappe. The Patriots had a bye this past week.

In 10 games this season, Jones, 25, has completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s been sacked 21 times and lost 127 yards.

Zappe, 24, has completed 10 of 25 pass attempts for 104 yards with an interception.

The Patriots are wallowing in last place in the AFC East with a record of 2-8 and look to be headed for the worst season since Belichick’s first with the Patriots when they finished 5-11 in 2000.

New England ranks 31st in the league with an average of just 14.1 points per game.

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier (15) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bengals sign ex-Cowboys QB Will Grier to practice squad

The Cincinnati Bengals signed quarterback Will Grier to their practice squad after his release by the Dallas Cowboys, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Grier, 28, becomes QB3 on the Bengals after they released Trevor Siemian. Grier could get called up to the active roster in Week 1 to back up Jake Browning if All-Pro QB Joe Burrow (calf) isn’t yet ready to return.

The Cowboys reportedly informed Grier he would be released prior to the team’s final preseason game against Las Vegas. He played the entire game, throwing for 305 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for two scores.

Grier became expendable when the Cowboys acquired Trey Lance from San Francisco last week.

Grier was selected in the third round of the 2019 draft by the Carolina Panthers. He started two games — losing both — for the Panthers as a rookie in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Aug 27, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier (7) runs for a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) defends in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys claim QB Will Grier, sign RB Corey Clement

The Dallas Cowboys added depth at two important offensive positions Wednesday by claiming quarterback Will Grier off waivers from the Carolina Panthers and signing running back Corey Clement.

Grier did not make the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster at Tuesday’s deadline and was released. The Cowboys only had two quarterbacks, Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, on their 53-man roster released Tuesday. Prescott hasn’t played since a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5 of last season.

Grier, 26, was a third-round pick by Carolina in the 2019 draft out of West Virginia. He started two games as a rookie, in which he threw for 228 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions. Grier did not see action last season.

Dallas released punter Bryan Anger, whom is expected to re-sign with the team after more upcoming transactions, upon claiming Grier.

The Cowboys were familiar with Clement from his stints with two NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles (2017-20) and New York Giants.

Clement, 26, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Eagles and totaled 995 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns as a change-of-pace back. He played for the Giants during the 2021 preseason, leading them with 86 rushing yards, but wasn’t kept for their 53-man roster.

As with quarterback, Dallas also carried just two running backs on its initial roster: Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.

–Field Level Media

HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER PROPS: UPDATED THROUGH WEEK 7

Heisman Trophy Winner Props: Updated through Week 11

Tua Tagovailoa’s odds decreased, but he’s still the heavy favorite to win the Heisman Trophy

Note: The change column indicates the percentage change in the odds of each player. Positive change labeled in green means the player is getting bet and his odds are lower, while the negative change in red means the player’s odds have regressed.

Heisman Trophy Winner Props

{{CODE_HEISMAN_WEEK_11}}

2019 NFL Draft Preview – QB

Despite the weight of a uniquely never-ending draft grind, there’s something poetic about the start of a new collegiate cycle that attracts a total spectrum of fans, from the educated onlookers to the full-blown draft degenerates (such as myself).
As such, we proceed with a detailed evaluation of my introductory positional rankings – coming out one group at a time, beginning with quarterbacks.
So, to (inaccurately) quote the great Matthew McConaughey: “I’ll write, I’ll write, I’ll write.”
 
QUARTERBACK
Overview:
Five teams selected a first-round passer in the 2018 class and my suspicion is that it was a partial indictment of the potential 2019 crop. Presently, we’re faced with a quarterback class asking numerous questions of evaluators – who only seem to agree about being unable to distinguish who will emerge on top.
Simply put, there are a handful of quarterbacks with the potential to rise above the class, but most require a step-forward season in 2019 in order for that to happen. This year’s preseason quarterback evaluation requires more projection than most years I’ve studied the NFL Draft, which personally elicits equal levels of excitement and indignation.
1. Jarrett Stidham, Auburn (6’3″ 215lbs.)
• Will be hit with the ‘system’ tag, but he completes a high degree of attempts and rapidly immersed himself in Gus Malzahn’s intricate passing offense. I don’t see a quarterback with better ‘feel’ for his position in this class right now.
2. Justin Herbert, Oregon (6’6″ 225lbs.)
• Possesses all of the tantalizing physical traits evaluators want in a franchise passer: size, arm and athleticism. Also boasts a smooth delivery and statistical accuracy. If he takes the next step this season it’ll be tough to value another passer more.
3. Will Grier, West Virginia (6’2″ 214lbs.)
• The ex-Florida Gator was highly prolific throughout his first season in Morgantown, forming a good connection with stud receiver David Sills. Everything’s on a rope; makes NFL-esque window throws, but needs to learn that not every pass needs to be a bullet.
4. Drew Lock, Missouri (6’4″ 225lbs.)
• Ticks all of the prototype passer boxes, possessing ideal size, arm talent and an ever-present inclination to push the ball downfield. Must overcome issues relating to accuracy (both in-game and statistical), but did suffer from receiver drops last year.
5. Brian Lewerke, Michigan State (6’3″ 215lbs.)
• Underclassmen who must drastically improve accuracy, but showed plenty of promise in his ten-win Sophomore campaign. Moves through reads in rapid-fire. Will take a hit to deliver an accurate pass. Nice pocket footwork, but liable to hurt a defense with them too.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Finley, North Carolina State (6’4″ 210lbs.)
• Boise State transfer with prolific aerial numbers. Major positive is his compact, lightning-quick release and decisive style – always aware of quick-read options and fall-back outlets. Has many physical tools at his disposal. Downfield ball placement is inconsistent.
 
Find me on Twitter: @NFLDraftUpdate