Will Grier's NFL playing career is over, but it may not be the end of his time with the Cowboys. After the veteran quarterback announced his retirement, Dak Prescott shared a message that quickly caught fans' attention.

Grier, who spent multiple stints with Dallas before signing with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, was placed on the reserve/retired list. Soon after the news broke, Prescott posted a photo of the two together with a caption hinting that Grier's next chapter may already be underway.

"Never Retired, just switching lanes,” Prescott wrote. 

Prescott didn't elaborate on what he meant, but the message quickly fueled speculation that Grier could soon move into coaching. RJ Ochoa later shared the quarterback's Instagram story on X.

The former Cowboys backup had already developed close relationships within the organization and remained connected with several teammates even after returning to Carolina.

The speculation also aligns with reports from earlier this offseason.

Josh Sanchez of the Dallas Cowboys on SI highlighted an earlier report from The Athletic's Joe Person that Dallas had offered Grier a position on Brian Schottenheimer's coaching staff before he signed with Carolina.

"After Grier spent last season on Dallas' practice squad, the Cowboys offered him a position on Brian Schottenheimer's coaching staff this year," The Athletic's Joe Person previously reported.

Grier ultimately chose to keep playing after discussing the decision with his family. His father, longtime high school coach Chad Grier, encouraged him to stay on the field as long as the opportunity remained.

With Grier's playing career now behind him, that opportunity could once again come into focus.

Dallas could remain a natural landing spot

Grier spent parts of four seasons with the Cowboys across two different stints, serving primarily on the practice squad while competing for a backup role behind Prescott, according to Josh Sanchez of the Dallas Cowboys on SI.

His connection to the organization extends beyond the field. Grier recently officiated tight end Jake Ferguson's wedding, and he has often spoken about the relationships he built during his time in Dallas.

After a standout preseason performance against the Raiders in 2023, Grier also recalled a memorable conversation with owner Jerry Jones.

"He sat in my locker with me and just talked to me about how much he respected me and how great of a game that was,” Grier said. 

Grier added, "He really cares and is a big part of every part of the organization from top down, and you feel that being a player there."

Schottenheimer has not indicated whether the Cowboys still plan to pursue Grier for a coaching position.

With training camp approaching, Prescott's message and Grier's long-standing ties to the organization have only fueled speculation that his next role could still be in Dallas.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey