The Dallas Cowboys' offseason is set to feature one of its most intriguing position battles, as Joe Milton III and Sam Howell compete for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott.

As the competition draws closer, with the mandatory minicamp starting next week, Milton sent a strong message about his mindset heading into the battle.

"In the league, you gotta compete every day,” Milton said, per X post of Nick Harris. “No matter where I end up or where he [Sam Howell] ends up, you gotta compete. Nothing is just given to you."

Milton was traded to the Cowboys by the New England Patriots, where he appeared as a backup to Prescott for four games in 2025.

He completed 15 of 24 passes attempted for 183 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in 2025.

Milton's appearance in his Patriots debut against the Buffalo Bills in the January 2025 season finale saw him record the second-fastest pass ever recorded in the NFL at 62 mph.

However, his inconsistent accuracy and decision-making in 2025 raised questions about his ability to serve as Prescott's backup, according to Jonathan Vankin of Heavy.com

The Cowboys signed Howell in free agency in March to add more depth to the QB room behind Prescott.

Though Howell did not appear in a game with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, he had his career best with the Washington Commanders in 2023. He completed 388 of 612 pass attempts, for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns in 17 starts.

Howell shared a similar mindset with Milton, regarding the battle, but he also emphasized that it's more about competing with himself.

"To me, it's competing with another guy,” Howell said, per X post of Nick Harris. “I'm always competing with myself. I'm competing to be the best version of myself and just get better."  

As Milton and Howell embrace the competition, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the battle should push both quarterbacks to improve and become better players.

Schottenheimer Encourages Competition Between Milton and Howell

During June 9 OTA sessions, Schottenheimer described the QB battle as more of a fun competition, one that will push both Howell and Milton to improve.

"The first week was Joe getting most of the twos and Sam mixing in, and this week it's the other way around. But it's going to be a fun competition, and I love how they're pushing each other to be great," Schottenheimer said, per the Dallas Cowboys YT channel.

At the same time, he acknowledged the value Howell brings through his experience and previous starting opportunities, comparing him to former backup QB Cooper Rush.

"Sam Howell has more starts than Cooper Rush," Schottenheimer said. "Because he started the one year at Washington - I think the entire year. He's been exposed to a lot, been in a lot of different systems, which I think is great for all of us."

Schottenheimer believes that improving and building depth at every opportunity adds more strength to the roster, especially with younger players competing for these spots.

What are your thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys backup QB for 2026? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey