The Dallas Cowboys are currently engaged in a competitive evaluation for the backup quarterback position behind Dak Prescott. Sam Howell and Joe Milton have both showcased their skills during the preseason, leading to critical decisions for the team.
One of the primary questions facing the Cowboys is whether to retain two or three quarterbacks on the roster. Although keeping three quarterbacks may seem beneficial, it could necessitate cutting a player from another position where the team needs depth. According to USA Today's Ben Grimaldi, Howell is predicted to be released, with Milton likely securing the QB2 role.
Grimaldi noted that while Howell was initially viewed as the frontrunner for the backup position, Milton's impressive performance in the preseason has shifted the dynamics. Howell has played 20 games in the NFL, including 18 starts, and has a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth $2.5 million, which complicates the decision for the Cowboys if they choose to release him.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that Howell had an advantage over Milton earlier in training camp, but Milton's recent performances have made the competition much closer. "If you would just take the training camp competition, it's probably neck and neck, and Sam maybe a little bit ahead," Schottenheimer stated on August 24.
The Cowboys have until August 30 to finalize their roster decisions, including whether to keep both Howell and Milton or opt for a two-quarterback setup. ESPN's Todd Archer suggested that while the Cowboys might prefer to keep two quarterbacks, both players have performed well enough to consider retaining three.
