Cowboys' Milton Faces Crucial Offseason in QB Competition

Third-year QB Joe Milton looks to solidify backup role behind Dak Prescott.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:38pm

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After serving as the Cowboys' backup quarterback in 2025, Joe Milton faces a crucial offseason as he competes with newly-signed QB Sam Howell for the team's QB2 job. Milton, a 2024 sixth-round pick acquired via trade from the Patriots, has impressed the Cowboys' coaching staff with his strong arm, but needs to improve his consistency and decision-making to secure the backup role behind starter Dak Prescott.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' backup quarterback position is an important one, as Prescott has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. Securing a reliable and capable QB2 is crucial for the team's success if Prescott were to miss any time. Milton's development is key, as the Cowboys look to build depth and ensure they have a capable replacement ready to step in if needed.

The details

Milton played in 5 games for the Cowboys in 2025, completing 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has praised Milton's physical tools, but acknowledged he needs more reps and development to improve his decision-making and consistency. This offseason, Milton will compete with newly-signed QB Sam Howell for the backup job, with the winner set to serve as Prescott's primary backup in 2026.

  • Milton was acquired by the Cowboys via trade with the Patriots in 2025.
  • Milton served as the Cowboys' backup QB in the 2025 season.
  • The Cowboys signed QB Sam Howell this offseason, setting up a competition for the backup QB job.

The players

Joe Milton

A third-year quarterback who was acquired by the Cowboys via trade with the Patriots in 2025. Milton has impressed with his strong arm but needs to improve his consistency and decision-making to secure the backup QB job in Dallas.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, making the backup QB position an important one for the team.

Brian Schottenheimer

The Cowboys' head coach, who has praised Milton's physical tools but acknowledged the need for him to continue developing to win the backup QB job.

Sam Howell

A newly-signed quarterback who will compete with Milton for the Cowboys' backup QB role in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“If you want to be a starter, be a starter every day. Go through the preparation that way and believe you can start for any team in the NFL.”

— Joe Milton, Cowboys Quarterback

“Joe has all the physical tools, but he needs more reps and development to improve his decision-making and consistency.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys Head Coach

What’s next

The Cowboys will closely evaluate Milton and Howell throughout the offseason program and training camp to determine who will serve as Dak Prescott's primary backup in 2026.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' backup quarterback competition is a crucial one, as the team looks to build depth behind injury-prone starter Dak Prescott. Joe Milton has the physical tools, but must show improved decision-making and consistency to win the job over newcomer Sam Howell.