Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer gave updates on draft picks, filling roster gaps, and other major topics during his appearance at the NFL Annual Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. 

Per Grant Gordon of NFL Media, Schottenheimer confirmed that quarterbacks Sam Howell and Joe Milton will compete for the QB2 role, backing up Dak Prescott.

“We could have Sam Howell and Joe Milton on this football team and give those guys both a chance to compete. They're both uber talented, they both have big-time arm strength” Schottenheimer said.

Milton came to Dallas last year after a one-year stint with the Patriots. At New England, he completed 400 of 649 passes for 5,353 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while adding 661 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 174 carries.

In 2025, Milton saw limited NFL field time while backing up Prescott. But he showed his versatility by completing 12 of 24 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Though the Cowboys disappointingly did not make the playoffs last season, they did have a productive offense with Dak Prescott as QB1. But in the event of his absence, the right backup has to be called on by Schottenheimer.

Looking at what both Milton and Howell bring to the table, it's going to be an interesting fight between the two.

Sam Howell Competing For Milton's Position

Milton played four games last season, while Howell was on the bench for the entirety of the year at Philadelphia. But Howell brings with him some much-needed starting experience.

He was QB1 for the Commanders for 17 games in the 2023 season. Howell threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns. He threw 21 interceptions as well, but if that number can be cut down, the Cowboys will be leaning on Howell to be Prescott's backup.

That is why Joe Milton III will have trouble beating Howell for the backup role. Howell comes in as the like-for-like replacement for Prescott, in case the latter has to miss time on the field. Milton is only in his third year in the league and hasn't recorded enough meaningful snaps.

Milton does have the advantage of being in the system longer than Howell, who has to adapt to a new offense for the third time in his career.

Can the junior QB beat the veteran addition to the room? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Afreen Kabir