The winds of change are blowing through The Star in Frisco, and they've swept through the quarterback room first. In a move signaling a clear intent to recalibrate, the Dallas Cowboys have officially released quarterback Will Grier. This decision follows the team's confirmed signing of former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell, a one-two punch that reshapes the depth chart behind franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and underscores a new phase of roster evaluation.
The Cowboys announced the release of Grier on March 12, 2026, finalizing a quarterback swap anticipated since Howell's agreement with Dallas became public earlier that week. For Grier, a former third-round pick who joined the Cowboys in 2021, it marks the end of a tenure largely defined by preseason performances and a role as a clipboard holder. For the Cowboys, it's the first tangible step in addressing a 7-9-1 2025 season that ended with the franchise missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year--a drought that has prompted introspection and now, action.
The Calculus Behind the Move
At first glance, swapping one backup quarterback for another may seem like routine, low-stakes roster maintenance. In the context of the 2026 Dallas Cowboys, however, it's a transaction loaded with subtext. Will Grier was a known quantity: a serviceable, veteran presence who understood the system and provided stability in the QB3 role, occasionally flashing his ability in preseason games. His release is less an indictment of his performance and more a declaration of the front office's desire for a different profile behind center.
Enter Sam Howell. At 25 years old, Howell brings a contrasting resume. He isn't just a career backup; he's a former full-season NFL starter who has taken his lumps in the league's crucible. In 2023, with Washington, he led the league in pass attempts and showed intriguing flashes of playmaking ability, albeit within a challenging scheme. Howell's signing represents a pivot toward upside and potential. The Cowboys aren't just looking for someone to mop up in blowouts; they're acquiring a young quarterback with starting experience who can push the competition in the room and offer a different stylistic option should the unthinkable happen to Prescott.
This move reflects a classic "ceiling vs. floor" decision. Grier offered the higher floor--a safe, reliable option unlikely to lose a game you're already winning. Howell, despite spending most of the 2024 and 2025 seasons as a backup in Seattle, theoretically offers a much higher ceiling. He has arm talent, mobility, and the kind of game experience that can't be simulated. For a Cowboys team that has felt stagnant, opting for potential over proven comfort is a telling shift in philosophy.
Context of a Disappointing Season
To understand why this move carries weight, one must revisit the 2025 campaign. The Cowboys finished with a 7-9-1 record, a substandard performance in Dallas terms. The offensive output was inconsistent, and although Prescott remained the unequivocal starter, the supporting structure showed its cracks. The offense often lacked dynamism, and the team's inability to close out close games became a season-long theme.
Every position is under review in such an environment. The backup quarterback spot, while ideally not a frequent game-day necessity, is a critical piece of contingency planning. Moreover, it's a value position where a capable backup can salvage a game or even a season if called upon. By moving from Grier to Howell, the Cowboys are investing in a player they believe could do more than manage a game--potentially, he could win one with his skill set. It's an upgrade aimed at fortifying the team's weakest margin for error.
Furthermore, this change signals a broader roster overhaul likely only just beginning. Missing the playoffs in back-to-back years has acted as a mandate for change. The release of a familiar face like Grier is the opening act, a clear message that job security is tied directly to performance and forward-looking potential. The underlying message is unmistakable: comfort and continuity are secondary to improvement and competition.
What Howell Brings to Dallas
Sam Howell's arrival adds an intriguing dynamic to the Cowboys' quarterback room led by Dak Prescott. Alongside second-string quarterback Joe Milton III and Prescott, Howell forms a trio with varying levels of experience and pedigree.
Howell's primary value will be as the immediate backup, requiring him to prepare daily as though he is the starter. His experience running an NFL offense for a full season is invaluable. He has faced complex blitz packages, played in hostile environments, and operated under center in critical two-minute drills. This real-game experience gives the coaching staff confidence in his capability to execute the game plan without drastic simplification if needed.
His skill set also offers a change of pace. Howell is a more mobile quarterback than Prescott or the now-released Grier, capable of extending plays and picking up first downs with his legs. While Dallas' offense under OC Klayton Adams does not rely heavily on a dual-threat QB, having Howell's mobility adds a layer of defensive preparation for opponents and offers situational football versatility.
Perhaps the most significant intangible Howell brings is a competitive spark. Coming from a season in which he moved from starting for Washington in 2023 to a backup role, Howell arrives in Dallas with something to prove. That hunger can elevate the entire QB room, pushing Prescott in practice and setting a standard for the young players on the roster.
Will Grier's Departure: A Valued Professional
While the business of football moves relentlessly forward, it is important to acknowledge Will Grier's tenure with the Cowboys. By all accounts, he was a consummate professional. He never publicly complained about his role, prepared diligently, and was a supportive teammate. Grier's most memorable moments in Dallas likely remain strong preseason performances, notably his impressive 2023 showing against the Las Vegas Raiders.
His release reminds fans of the NFL's harsh realities: even for players who do everything right, roster spots are limited and tied to the team's evolving vision. It's expected Grier will find another opportunity in the league, where his professionalism and knowledge will be valued. He departs Dallas with respect and gratitude for his contributions during a five-year stint.
Looking Ahead: Roster Implications
The quarterback move is seldom isolated. The release of Grier modestly impacts Dallas' salary cap but, more importantly, solidifies Prescott as QB1 and Howell as QB2. Meanwhile, the status of third-string Joe Milton III, a 2024 draftee, becomes a key subplot. Will he remain on the roster as a developmental QB3, or is this the beginning of the end of his experimental tenure?
This transaction is the first domino in a likely active offseason. The 7-9-1 finish has opened evaluation across the roster. If the front office is willing to make a change at such a traditionally low-turnover position as backup quarterback, it signals no position is immune from scrutiny. Moves on the offensive line, wide receiver corps, and especially on a defense that struggled in 2025 will be closely watched.
The signing of Sam Howell and release of Will Grier is more than a routine roster move. It's a statement of intent. The Cowboys are not standing pat; they are seeking upgrades, betting on potential, and reshuffling after disappointment. Whether this move pays dividends on the field remains to be seen, but the message to players, fans, and rivals is clear: business as usual is no longer acceptable after two seasons outside the playoffs. The overhaul has begun.