The Los Angeles Rams may not have been in the market for a new backup quarterback but after seeing the performances of Stetson Bennett and Brett Rypien against the Broncos, perhaps their minds have changed.
If they’re looking to add someone at the position, the Cowboys may have just the guy after acquiring Trey Lance from the 49ers.
With Dallas bringing in Lance, Will Grier is going to be cut by the Cowboys this week. The Rams are going to be high up in the waiver order after their poor 2022 season, sitting sixth on the priority list to start this year.
If they like what they’ve seen from Grier, they should absolutely put in a claim for the former third-round pick. And if they watched the film from Dallas’ 31-16 win over the Raiders on Saturday night, they should come away impressed by the play of Grier.
He completed 29 of 35 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, carrying Dallas to a win in the preseason finale. He also rushed 10 times for 53 yards and two touchdowns, with a long of 18 yards – so he has the athleticism Sean McVay likes at quarterback.
Given the circumstances in this audition for 31 other teams, Grier played as well as he could have. And he made several impressive throws in the victory, including this one.
Will Grier's been throwing dimes all game 🎯 @willgrier_ pic.twitter.com/25n4Jqhjht
— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2023
The Rams didn’t land Lance and there’s no indication they even tried to acquire him from the 49ers, but his arrival in Dallas could give the Rams another good option at backup quarterback – one that won’t even cost them a draft pick.
Grier should absolutely be on the Rams’ radar when he’s cut this week, assuming a team doesn’t send Dallas a draft pick just to make sure he doesn’t make it to the waiver wire. He would be a clear upgrade over Bennett, who threw two ugly interceptions and completed only 4 of 9 passes against the Broncos. And Rypien doesn’t have the upside that Grier does, so he shouldn’t prevent the Rams from making a move.
This is the year for Los Angeles to take advantage of its high waiver priority because it doesn’t happen often under McVay with all the success he’s had.
