Starting quarterback Mac Jones days as a starter could be numbered if he continues to play the way he has the past two weeks. If he has another bad game this week, he could end up on the bench. Jones has been benched twice the past two weeks in favor of Bailey Zappe but the next time he does get benched, it could be permanent and it could be for third string quarterback Will Grier.
RUMORS: The #Patriots may start veteran Will Grier over Mac Jones if Jones continues to struggle, per @GregABedard https://t.co/gdvWAME9YE
"From talking to people around the team, I think if Mac Jones doesn’t succeed this week, if he doesn’t retain his job, I think it’s Will… https://t.co/WQpwH1UuKl pic.twitter.com/RXOlc7yggk
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 12, 2023
The Patriots signed Grier off of the Cincinnati Bengals Practice Squad earlier this season. The 28 year old was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Grier spent two seasons in Carolina and was released. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys where he spent the past two seasons (2021-22). Grier was released at the end of training camp and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad before the Patriots signed him onto their active roster.
The 6-3 215 pound Grier has plus arm strength and is athletic in and out of the pocket. The physical tools are there. He can make every throw in the book. The problem is his lack of production when he has played. When you look at his career numbers as a starter, it is hard to justify starting him over Jones. He has thrown four interceptions for 228 yards for a 53.8 percent completion percentage and a passer rating of 33.2. Grier’s supporters will point to his preseason finale performance where he completed 29-of-35 passes for 305 yards and two passing game touchdowns. In that game, he also rushed for 53 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns as well.
Jones has been awful the past two weeks and Bill Belichick may ultimately have no choice but to bench him for the rest of the season. If he does, turning to Grier would make for a great story but I am not sure the results would be any different. Chances are, Grier is not the long term solution at the position but given how bad this season has gone thus far, it would make for a fun story.
As we have said all along, The long term term starter for this franchise is not in the building right now. So why not see what Grier can do. If nothing else, Grier could make things interesting and in the process, he could make this team watchable again.