The Dallas Cowboys are engaging in a compelling quarterback competition--not for their starting spot, but for the critical backup role behind Dak Prescott. As training camp progresses, Sam Howell and Joe Milton are sharing first-team reps equally, underscoring an open, fair fight for the No. 2 quarterback job.
Dak Prescott remains the entrenched starter after an impressive 2025 season, where he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. His durability has rarely put this backup role under the spotlight, but the stakes are higher than they seem in Dallas's pursuit of sustained success.
Both Howell and Milton bring credentials that suggest potential. Howell, acquired via trade last offseason, enters with 19 career NFL starts and notable passing production, including 3,946 yards during Washington's 2023 campaign. His style is that of a rhythm passer who relies on quick reads and a clean pocket. However, his 65 sacks in 2023--the highest by any quarterback since David Carr in 2002--highlight tendencies to hold the ball too long.
Milton, traded to Dallas after the Patriots selected Drake Maye in the 2026 NFL Draft, has less experience with only two career starts, including a Week 18 win in 2025. He threw 15-for-24 for 183 yards and one touchdown in limited action last season. His arm talent is undeniable, capable of making throws few others can, but his processing speed and decision-making remain developmental concerns in Brian Schottenheimer's timing-centric offense.
The equal distribution of first-team reps in practice signals that the Cowboys' coaching staff, led by Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams, have yet to name a clear favorite. Both quarterbacks are viewed as viable contenders to backup Prescott, reflecting the team's need to identify a reliable contingency plan.
Dallas's recent history with backup quarterbacks suggests they need more than just a placeholder. Cooper Rush's performance during Prescott's injury absences--going 4-1 as a starter in 2020 and leading the team to a playoff berth in 2022--illustrates the impact a competent backup can have in a fiercely competitive NFC East. With Prescott turning 33 in July and no contract extension yet announced, the backup quarterback's readiness could shape the team's short- and long-term trajectories.
Howell's experience running an NFL offense and familiarity with executing game-winning drives positions him as the steadier choice for now. Additionally, backing up Prescott, he would benefit from an elite receiving corps featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson--an upgrade from his previous situation.
Milton's upside is tantalizing. His arm strength and athleticism provide dynamic playmaking ability that could prove valuable if he develops the processing skills the offense demands. However, with just 24 NFL pass attempts to date, he remains the developmental project.
From a salary cap perspective, the Cowboys currently hold $8.19 million in cap space and carry $42.45 million in dead money, largely tied to Prescott's contract. This limits their ability to pursue expensive veteran backups. Instead, Dallas has chosen a cost-effective approach, acquiring Milton via trade for a late-round draft pick and signing Howell on an affordable deal. Developing their own talent at quarterback aligns with their financial constraints and long-term strategy.
Schottenheimer remarked on June 5, "I'm really excited about those two young men and adding it to a group that I feel is maybe one of the most stable positions." This statement reflects confidence in the quarterback room's quality but does not preclude an ongoing competition.
The decision on who ultimately secures the backup role will have reverberations well beyond the 2026 season. Chad Prescott's health--and the depth chart behind him--could define the Cowboys' playoff hopes and their ability to compete for a Super Bowl in the near future.
While Milton may grab attention with spectacular throws in practice, the safer bet based on NFL experience and proven execution within a pro offense favors Howell. He has demonstrated the ability to manage an offense and win games under challenging circumstances. For the Cowboys, that reliability behind Prescott is invaluable.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Cowboys' QB2 battle remains one of the most intriguing positional competitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as the backup quarterback could well become a pivotal figure in Dallas's quest for another championship.