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Dallas Cowboys Should Consider These 3 Backup QB's for Dak Prescott

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are in need of a backup quarterback. After seeing Cooper Rush leave town to sign with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, Will Grier is the only quarterback on the roster behind Dak Prescott.

While Grier is obviously a player the Cowboys like, having him as a primary backup might not be the best idea.

Late in free agency, most of the top quarterback options have been scooped off of the market. Dallas could look at the remaining players available or find a new backup in the 2025 NFL draft.

Now, the question becomes, who could the Cowboys target to fill their backup role?

Right now, there is an intriguing option in free agency and a couple available in the draft.

Without further delay, here are the three options that Dallas should consider pursuing.

Joe Flacco

Heading into the 2025 season, the Cowboys do not need to bring in a future starter. Prescott is going to be the starter for years to come barring an unforeseen change, but Dallas will need a player who can step in if need be next year.

Flacco is coming off of a solid season with the Indianapolis Colts. He is still more than capable of starting when called upon.

In 2024, he completed 65.3% of his pass attempts for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games. Those numbers would do nicely for the Cowboys.

Will Howard

One potential option in the draft would be Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.

After leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024, his stock has risen. There is a lot of work for him to do to become a starter at the NFL level, but Dallas could view him as a potential backup option.

At the very worst, he would be brought in to compete with Grier for the backup job. If he can live up to the talent that he showed last season with Ohio State, he should win the job. Howard completed 73.1% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season.

Dillon Gabriel

Coming off of a big 2024 season with the Oregon Ducks, Gabriel is not receiving a lot of hype. He put up big numbers, but is widely expected to slip in the draft.

Gabriel threw for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 72.9% of his passes in 2024. He also ran for 149 yards and seven touchdowns.

If the Cowboys want to wait until the later rounds to draft a quarterback, Gabriel could very well fall right to them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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