Report: Dallas Cowboys trying out quarterback Donovan Smith at rookie minicamp

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Dallas Cowboys will have quarterback Donovan Smith try out during rookie minicamp. Donovan spent his college football days in the state of Texas, most recently playing for the Houston Cougars. His career began in Lubbock with the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

“The Cowboys will have former Houston and Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith work their rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis,” ESPN’s Todd Archer said via X. “The two practices open to the media on Friday, Saturday will only be about an hour each to serve as introduction for the rookies.”

Smith played in just nine games this season, throwing for 867 yards while completing 65.7% of his throws. Four touchdowns were overshadowed by eight interceptions, three of which came during a loss to Kansas.

The 2023 campaign was a better one for Smith, his first with Houston. He threw for 2,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. All of those were career highs for him, most likely being the best tape he put up while in school.

Rookie minicamp is upcoming, as Archer mentioned. May 2 will be the first of three total days, only two of which will be open to the media. People in attendance will get to see Smith going up against other rookies, all fighting for a spot on the 2025 roster.

Dallas Cowboys searching for another quarterback

There is no doubt about who will be the Week 1 starter, assuming full health. Dak Prescott is locked up for the foreseeable future and will continue to be the franchise quarterback. But this offseason has brought a shakeup as to who is behind Prescott.

Neither Cooper Rush nor Trey Lance is with the franchise anymore. This sent the Cowboys to the trade market, acquiring Joe Milton away from the New England Patriots. For the time being, Milton is expected to be the primary backup to Prescott.

The search for a third quarterback is still ongoing. Talks did emerge of Dallas potentially taking one during the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically in the later rounds. However, nothing came to fruition on Friday or Saturday.

Dallas will continue to look for somebody as the offseason progresses. Smith getting an opportunity at rookie minicamp certainly helps his case. For now, it’s just a tryout, beginning Friday. Impressing over the course of the three days could wind up progressing him to the next stop.