The Dallas Cowboys are once again dealing with uncertainty behind starting quarterback Dak Prescott, as the team reassesses its backup options heading into the new season. Joe Milton III, acquired in a trade from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, was originally brought in as a developmental quarterback with elite physical tools.
However, his long-term role in Dallas is far from secure. The situation became more complicated when the Cowboys signed veteran quarterback Sam Howell in March, creating a direct competition for the QB2 position. With both players now vying for the same role, team owner Jerry Jones may eventually consider whether it is more valuable to retain both quarterbacks or explore trade possibilities involving Milton.
Around the league, evaluators continue to note Milton‘s powerful arm while questioning his consistency and readiness as a dependable backup option.
Analyst Jack McKessy of USA Today has even floated the idea that Milton could become a trade candidate as early as the 2026 NFL Draft, suggesting that Dallas might be better served turning his potential into additional draft assets.
While Milton‘s upside is clear, his development has been uneven since entering the league as a sixth-round pick of the Patriots before being traded to Dallas.
“They could benefit from trading an enticing yet raw quarterback like Milton for some extra draft capital to build up the defense rather than potentially cutting him after training camp,” wrote McKessy.
With a weak quarterback class outside of a few notable names such as Fernando Mendoza, a toolsy passer like Milton could still draw interest from teams willing to take a developmental swing. For Dallas, that market could represent an opportunity to retool its roster more efficiently.
Cowboys QB2 competition could shape offseason strategy
The internal quarterback competition adds another layer of complexity for head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has emphasized that both Milton and Howell will be given a fair chance to earn the backup job.
Howell brings more starting experience, having already logged NFL games as a starter, which gives him an advantage in game management and decision-making. Milton, on the other hand, flashed intriguing upside during the 2025 preseason with strong passing numbers and mobility, but his regular-season opportunities have been limited, resulting in mixed production when he did see the field.
“They’re both uber talented, they both have big-time arm strength. Sam started, actually, 20-something games in this league, which is great. But, yeah, it’s an open competition,” said Schottenheimer.
Meanwhile, Prescott remains firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback after another highly productive season, leaving the backup role as one of the few unresolved questions on the roster. That reality forces Dallas to consider whether carrying two developmental quarterbacks is the best use of resources or whether converting one into draft capital would better support long-term roster construction.
If Milton outperforms expectations, he could solidify his place as Prescott‘s primary backup, but if Howell proves more reliable, the Cowboys may have a clearer path toward exploring trade conversations.
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