2025 Cowboys Need a Backup for the Backup

Official Preseason Stats

• Will Grier: Safe with the football but inefficient, completing only 37.5% of his throws and taking two sacks.
• Joe Milton III: More productive (265 yards, 1 TD) but turnover-prone with two interceptions.

Neither quarterback has shown enough to inspire confidence that they could keep Dallas afloat if Prescott were sidelined.

Why Dallas Needs a “Backup to the Backup”

The Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1995, and with this roster, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Dak Prescott’s health is always the X-factor, and if he misses games, Dallas cannot afford to rely on Milton or Grier alone.

Adding a veteran could:

• Give the Cowboys a stabilizing presence behind Prescott.
• Allow the Cowboys to move on from the inefficient Grier.
• Let Milton continue developing as a long-term project.

Fortunately, several free-agent quarterbacks remain on the market.

Ranking the Best Free Agent Quarterback Fits

1. C.J. Breathard—Best Fit
   • Pros: Tough, experienced backup with 13 career starts.
   • Cons: Limited ceiling, more of a placeholder than a playmaker.
   • Why He Fits: A steady hand who won’t lose games with mistakes—ideal for a contending roster.
2. Carson Wentz—High Risk, High Reward
   • Pros: Former No. 2 pick with a big arm and mobility, has led playoff-caliber teams.
   • Cons: Turnovers, inconsistency, and locker room questions.
   • Why He Fits: If Dallas wants to swing for a known commodity, Wentz could thrive with Lamb and Pickens, or implode.
3. Jeff Driskel—Athletic Depth
   • Pros: Strong runner, can extend plays.
   • Cons: Accuracy issues limit trust.
   • Why He Fits: Could add a change-of-pace element as a QB3, but not a true solution
4. Jaren Hall—Another Project
   • Pros: Young with upside, showed flashes in limited action.
   • Cons: Very raw, needs time and polish.
   • Why He Fits: Two developmental quarterbacks could lead to one that works out for the team.
5. Tim Boyle—Last Resort
   • Pros: Has NFL experience in multiple systems.
   • Cons: Career production is poor, and efficiency has always been a weakness.
   • Why He Fits: Emergency-only option.
6. Ben DiNucci—Familiar Face
   • Pros: Mobile, good locker room fit.
   • Cons: Limited ability shown in his stints with Dallas.
   • Why He Fits: More of a practice squad guy, but he is fun in the preseason.

Backup Quarterback is a Weak Spot

The Cowboys’ backup quarterback room remains one of the only weak spots on a loaded roster. Will Grier is safer byt inefficient, Joe Milton III has upside but accuracy issues. Neither have proved capable of carrying the team if Prescott misses time.

Of the available free agents C.J. Breathard and Carson Wentz stand out as the most logical additions. Jeff Driskel is the wild card with upside but volatility. The rest may only be depth pieces.

If Dallas wants to protect its Super Bowl window, the front office must act fast. Because as the presason has shown, one injury to Dak Prescott could derail everything this roster has worked for.