Cowboys Bring Dallas Native & 49-TD Northwestern QB in for Local Pro Day

Preston Stone, a former SMU quarterback, worked out for the Cowboys after a successful season at Northwestern.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:28pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the throwing motion of a football quarterback, with sharp, overlapping planes in the Dallas Cowboys' team colors.The Cowboys' search for quarterback depth behind Dak Prescott takes an intriguing turn with the addition of local prospect Preston Stone.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys brought in Dallas native and former SMU quarterback Preston Stone to work out at their local pro day. Stone, who transferred to Northwestern for his final college season in 2025, passed for 6,204 yards and 49 touchdowns over his career. He is considered a Day 3 draft prospect.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to add depth at the quarterback position behind starter Dak Prescott. Stone, a local product, could provide competition for the backup job alongside Sam Howell and Joe Milton III.

The details

Stone, a 6-foot-1, 214-pound quarterback, capped his one season at Northwestern by leading the team to a 34-7 win over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, throwing for 226 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. In 2023, he led SMU to a 10-2 record, passing for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

  • Stone worked out for the Cowboys at their local pro day on April 7, 2026.
  • In 2023, Stone led SMU to a 10-2 record in 12 starts.

The players

Preston Stone

A Dallas native and former SMU quarterback who transferred to Northwestern for his final college season in 2025, where he passed for 6,204 yards and 49 touchdowns over his career. He is considered a Day 3 draft prospect.

Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback and the NFL's highest-paid player at the position.

Sam Howell

A former starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders who signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2026 to compete for the backup job behind Prescott.

Joe Milton III

The Cowboys' backup quarterback in 2025 who is also competing for the backup job behind Prescott.

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What they’re saying

“'Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone worked out at Cowboys local Pro Day. Continued to build on success at Northwestern and SMU, starting for both schools, passing for 6,204 career yards, 49 touchdowns. Considered Day 3 draft prospect, arrow up.'”

— Aaron Wilson, NFL reporter

“'Source: QB Sam Howell to the Cowboys on a one-year deal.'”

— Jeremy Fowler

“'Howell made his first start vs. Dallas in 2022 with Washington. Cowboys now have four QBs in Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III, Will Grier and Howell.'”

— Todd Archer

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate Preston Stone and the other quarterbacks competing for the backup job behind Dak Prescott during their upcoming rookie minicamp and mandatory minicamp.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are leaving no stone unturned in their search for quarterback depth behind Dak Prescott, bringing in local product Preston Stone for a workout and signing former Commanders starter Sam Howell. This competition will add intrigue to the Cowboys' offseason program.