The Dallas Cowboys made a notable move on Monday night, raising questions about Joe Milton’s future with the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys have signed former Eagles quarterback Sam Howell to a one-year contract. This decision adds an intriguing layer to the Cowboys' quarterback depth chart.
Last offseason, Dallas traded with the New England Patriots to bring Milton on board, seemingly setting him up as the backup to Dak Prescott. Milton was given significant preseason reps and played during garbage time in the regular season. However, the addition of Howell suggests a potential competition for the backup spot this offseason.
Milton saw action in four games last season, stepping in during tough losses to Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, and playing in the regular-season finale against the Giants when Prescott’s minutes were limited. Over those games, Milton threw for 183 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions on 15-of-24 passing. His touchdown came against the Broncos, and his standout performance was a 73-yard game against the Giants, albeit with an interception.
Reflecting on his time with the Cowboys, Milton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Prescott, saying, “Hell yes...I learned a lot. I feel like I cherished every moment that I had with Dak.”
While Howell’s signing suggests a potential battle for the backup role, it remains speculative. Head coach Brian Shottenheimer has praised Milton, though the former Tennessee quarterback faced challenges during the preseason and regular season. Whether Howell is there to compete or to push Milton further remains to be seen.
Milton joined Dallas in a trade that included a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder last April. During his rookie year with the Patriots, he played one game, impressively throwing for 241 yards and a touchdown with a 75.9% completion rate in a win over the Bills. This performance caught the Cowboys' attention, leading to their pursuit.
With two years left on his rookie contract, Milton is focused on growth and has his sights set on becoming a starter, saying, “If I want to be a starter, then be a starter every day.” As he enters his third year in the league, the competition for the backup spot could be a pivotal moment in his career.