The Dallas Cowboys just added more competition to their quarterback room. The team announced the signing of 25-year-old Sam Howell, a move from an NFC rival that raises new questions about the depth chart behind Dak Prescott.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to break the news, followed by the Dallas Cowboys, who announced it on their official website. According to the latter, the former Eagles player has signed a one-year deal.

The addition of Howell raises some questions. The team already has a star quarterback in Dak Prescott, who is not only a starter for the Cowboys but also the NFL's highest-paid player. Prescott has started in all the games he has played for the team (139) since joining them in 2016 as a rookie.

Apart from Prescott and Howell, the Cowboys also have Joe Milton and Will Grier as backup quarterbacks. The Dallas Cowboys' official website itself states that it is uncommon for teams to have four quarterbacks, but it is so by design to encourage competition.

"It's not often teams carry four quarterbacks on the roster during the season, meaning there could be a competition upcoming in the quarterback room behind Prescott during the offseason program and training camp."

Among the trio in backup, Howell has more experience in the NFL, having played 20 matches in his career. In contrast, Grier has played only 2 matches for the Carolina Panthers, and Milton has played 5 matches, of which 4 were with his current club, the Dallas Cowboys.

Howell has a win-loss record of 5-13, with 4,139 passing yards, 23 interceptions, and 22 touchdowns. He might be the first offensive player the Cowboys have gone after in this free agency, as they have been bolstering their defense so far.

The Cowboys Have Been Busy This Free Agency

The Cowboys continued to add depth with budget-friendly deals, signing four other defensive players.

Safety Jalen Thompson has agreed to a 3-year, $33 million deal with the Cowboys. Although being brought in as a secondary, Thompson has experience as a starter for the Arizona Cardinals since 2019, completing 2 sacks and 9 interceptions during that time.

The Cowboys have also brought in former Broncos safety P.J. Locke on a one-year contract. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, "he brings veteran depth and can be a core special teamer."

The other free agents are defensive end Sam Williams and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, both of whom signed a 1-year, $3 million contract.

It remains to be seen whether the Cowboys sign any more free agents before the deadline runs out, but the intent behind the signings is clear to see.

What do you think of the Cowboys signing Howell? Let us know in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Sayantan Gayen

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar