Dallas Cowboys Sign Sam Howell, Hinting at Big Plans for 2026 Season

As the Cowboys gear up for the 2026 season, their free agency moves and draft strategy spotlight a balancing act between bolstering Dak Prescott's support and addressing defensive vulnerabilities.

The Dallas Cowboys are making strategic moves that speak volumes about their ambitions for the 2026 season. Recently, Sam Howell signed a one-year deal to compete with Joe Milton for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott.

Howell sees this as a chance to grow under the guidance of Brian Schottenheimer, aiming to bolster the quarterback room and support Prescott. While not a headline-grabbing move, it underscores the team's commitment to this season.

Adding to the intrigue, Notre Dame's running back Jadarian Price expressed his admiration for Prescott, calling him his dream quarterback to catch passes from. Price's comments highlight the enduring allure of the Cowboys for young prospects and hint at the team's potential interest in boosting their offensive arsenal, despite having defensive issues to address.

The Cowboys' draft strategy is a hot topic, with analysts offering varied projections. Mel Kiper Jr. suggests Dallas should focus on their struggling secondary by selecting a cornerback, given their league-worst performance in allowing big passing plays. Joel Klatt, on the other hand, emphasizes the need to address their scoring defense woes by picking Caleb Downs, a player he believes could transform the defense's core.

Meanwhile, Josh Edwards proposes a different angle, advocating for an offensive pick with Makai Lemon if defensive options are unavailable. Lemon's impressive stats make him a tempting choice to enhance Dallas's offensive firepower alongside Prescott.

Each of these potential draft picks-Banks, McCoy, Downs, and Lemon-offers a unique solution to the Cowboys' challenges. Banks brings potential to the defensive line, McCoy could stabilize the cornerback position, Downs might elevate defensive efficiency, and Lemon provides offensive flexibility.

Ultimately, the Cowboys face a critical decision that will reveal their priorities and sense of urgency. As they prepare to make their choice, all eyes will be on Dallas to see how they plan to maximize Prescott's window and address their roster's needs.