Cowboys Worked Out Ascending QB Prospect During Local Pro Day

Dallas is doing its homework on Northwestern's Preston Stone ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Dallas Cowboys are open to upgrading their backup quarterback position this offseason. During a local pro day, the team worked out Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone, who spent his final collegiate season with the Wildcats after starting for four years at SMU. Stone is considered a late-round draft prospect with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to add more competition at the quarterback position behind starter Dak Prescott. Stone could provide depth and upside as a developmental prospect, especially with the team's current backup Joe Milton III showing promise but limited experience.

The details

Stone began his college career at SMU, where he completed 59.3% of his passes for 4,030 yards, 35 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over four seasons. He then transferred to Northwestern for his final year, throwing for 2,400 yards, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 60% of his attempts. Scouts praise Stone's arm strength and dual-threat ability, with the ability to make plays both from the pocket and with his legs.

  • The Cowboys worked out Preston Stone during their local pro day on April 4, 2026.
  • Stone spent four seasons as the starting quarterback at SMU from 2021-2024.
  • He then transferred to Northwestern for the 2025 season, his final year of college eligibility.

The players

Preston Stone

A quarterback prospect who spent four seasons as the starter at SMU before transferring to Northwestern for his final year of college. He is considered a late-round draft prospect with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs.

Dak Prescott

The starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Joe Milton III

The Cowboys' primary backup quarterback in 2025, who showed promise but has limited experience.

Sam Howell

A quarterback the Cowboys signed in free agency, who will compete for the QB2 spot.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Outside of simple experience, what stands out for Stone is his pure arm talent inside the pocket. As a starter in 2023, the Texan showed off time and time again his ability to make tough throws down the field.”

— Miguel Munoz, Inside NIU writer

“Not only is Stone someone who knows how to keep his eyes downfield, but he presents a struggle for opposing defensive coordinators because of his dual threat as a rusher as well. Though he likes to spray it out to his skill players more so than take it for himself, Stone isn't afraid to venture out beyond the line of scrimmage when he sees a patch of open grass for the taking.”

— Miguel Munoz, Inside NIU writer

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate Preston Stone and other quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could use a late-round pick to add more competition behind Dak Prescott.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are being proactive in their search for a developmental quarterback prospect, working out Preston Stone during their local pro day. Stone's combination of arm strength and mobility make him an intriguing late-round option as the team looks to add depth and competition behind Dak Prescott.