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The Carolina Panthers turned in a surprise move on Wednesday, announcing that quarterback Will Grier has been placed on the reserve/retired list. A Davidson, N.C. native and a former third-round pick of the organization back from 2019, the 31-year-old now hangs up his cleats following seven seasons in the NFL.
Grier's retirement comes almost three months after he rejoined the Panthers this past spring. And his departure may leave a void in the quarterback room for the summer—with starter Bryce Young, backup Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King remaining.
If Carolina is looking to get back up to four passers ahead of training camp, here are some options they may want to consider . . .
Plummer caught the eye of head coach Dave Canales in 2024, and signed on as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder would stick on as a developmental quarterback through the summer of 2025, appearing in all six preseason games for the Panthers over that time.
After he was waived by Carolina, Plummer found his way to the United Football League—where he'd go on to lead the Orlando Storm to an 8-2 record during the spring. He also captured the league's Most Valuable Player honors, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,188 yards, 17 touchdowns and just one interception.
Being that Plummer has filled that No. 3 spot on the depth chart before, a reunion would make plenty of sense.
Sticking in the UFL, Thompson-Robinson fits the profile of what general manager Dan Morgan was looking for at the position earlier this offseason. Morgan told reporters—prior to signing Pickett—that he wanted to add more athleticism, mobility and potential to the group.
Thompson-Robinson did struggle as a passer in his two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, tossing one touchdown to 10 interceptions over 15 appearances between 2023 and 2024. But the Columbia, S.C. native did have better numbers as a member of the Birmingham Stallions—as he threw for 1,157 yards, eight scores and six picks in seven appearances.
When Canales spoke on the signing of Grier at organized team activities last month, he highlighted the veteran quarterback's experience and familiarity with multiple systems. Well, if it's experience and familiarity he wants, then he might find it in Wolford.
The now-30-year-old Wolford was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, when Canales served as the team's offensive coordinator. Canales has spoken highly of Wolford in the past, and nearly added him to Carolina's roster before the start of the 2024 campaign.
He's currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Yes, this one's out of the box. And yes, Morgan did shoot down this specific scenario earlier this offseason.
But let's have a little fun, shall we?
The Panthers passed on Richardson back in 2023, when they selected Young with that year's No. 1 overall pick. Since then, Richardson hasn't found his footing as a pro, as struggles with injuries and his accuracy gave way to Daniel Jones' takeover in Indianapolis.
If the Colts are still hoping to sell off the former fourth overall selection, perhaps the Panthers would be interested at a relatively low price. Richardson's size (6-foot-4, 244 pounds) and rushing prowess could give the offense a certified short-yardage option in 2026. And if Young doesn't prove to be the long-term answer under center, perhaps Carolina would have an intriguing lottery ticket on their hands.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 QBs the Panthers could consider adding after Will Grier's retirement
Continue reading...
Grier's retirement comes almost three months after he rejoined the Panthers this past spring. And his departure may leave a void in the quarterback room for the summer—with starter Bryce Young, backup Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King remaining.
If Carolina is looking to get back up to four passers ahead of training camp, here are some options they may want to consider . . .
Jack Plummer
Plummer caught the eye of head coach Dave Canales in 2024, and signed on as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder would stick on as a developmental quarterback through the summer of 2025, appearing in all six preseason games for the Panthers over that time.
After he was waived by Carolina, Plummer found his way to the United Football League—where he'd go on to lead the Orlando Storm to an 8-2 record during the spring. He also captured the league's Most Valuable Player honors, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,188 yards, 17 touchdowns and just one interception.
Being that Plummer has filled that No. 3 spot on the depth chart before, a reunion would make plenty of sense.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Sticking in the UFL, Thompson-Robinson fits the profile of what general manager Dan Morgan was looking for at the position earlier this offseason. Morgan told reporters—prior to signing Pickett—that he wanted to add more athleticism, mobility and potential to the group.
Thompson-Robinson did struggle as a passer in his two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, tossing one touchdown to 10 interceptions over 15 appearances between 2023 and 2024. But the Columbia, S.C. native did have better numbers as a member of the Birmingham Stallions—as he threw for 1,157 yards, eight scores and six picks in seven appearances.
John Wolford
When Canales spoke on the signing of Grier at organized team activities last month, he highlighted the veteran quarterback's experience and familiarity with multiple systems. Well, if it's experience and familiarity he wants, then he might find it in Wolford.
The now-30-year-old Wolford was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, when Canales served as the team's offensive coordinator. Canales has spoken highly of Wolford in the past, and nearly added him to Carolina's roster before the start of the 2024 campaign.
He's currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Anthony Richardson
Yes, this one's out of the box. And yes, Morgan did shoot down this specific scenario earlier this offseason.
But let's have a little fun, shall we?
The Panthers passed on Richardson back in 2023, when they selected Young with that year's No. 1 overall pick. Since then, Richardson hasn't found his footing as a pro, as struggles with injuries and his accuracy gave way to Daniel Jones' takeover in Indianapolis.
If the Colts are still hoping to sell off the former fourth overall selection, perhaps the Panthers would be interested at a relatively low price. Richardson's size (6-foot-4, 244 pounds) and rushing prowess could give the offense a certified short-yardage option in 2026. And if Young doesn't prove to be the long-term answer under center, perhaps Carolina would have an intriguing lottery ticket on their hands.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 QBs the Panthers could consider adding after Will Grier's retirement
Continue reading...
