Cowboys Undecided On Backup QB

“This is long from over,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said after Dallas’ second exhibition contest (video link). “We’re going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You’ve got to give Joe his credit, he’s played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well.”

Milton – who was traded by the Patriots to the Cowboys last spring – made four regular-season appearances in 2025 as Dak Prescott‘s understudy. The 26-year-old drew praise for his showings during the second half of the Cowboys’ opening preseason game, and he was productive once again to begin the contest against the Cardinals on Saturday. Two years remain on Milton’s deal, and he is owed just $1.08MM (none of which is guaranteed) for 2026.

Howell inked a one-year deal in free agency to join the Cowboys. The former Commanders starter has bounced around since his time in Washington but he landed $2.5MM fully guaranteed by joining Dallas. That set up the team’s ongoing QB2 competition, one which is still ongoing at this point. With the deadline for roster cuts approaching, a decision will need to be made soon on whether or not the Cowboys will carry three signal-callers to begin the season. If not, the team will either absorb a dead money charge by cutting Howell or risk losing Milton on waivers.

Playing time for both passers can be expected for Dallas’ preseason finale. Their performances in that contest could prove to be impactful in determining how the team proceeds behind Prescott on the quarterback depth chart.