Milton has shared perspectives on his personal life that intersect with his on-field focus. He and his partner welcomed their daughter last October, a moment he described as transformative. He has spoken about how becoming a father has shaped his approach to football, noting that the experience has influenced his mindset and preparation.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has described the backup quarterback competition as even. During the offseason, Howell held a slight edge, but as training camp progressed, Milton’s performance in multiple games has kept the competition close. Schottenheimer acknowledged that both quarterbacks have made significant plays, with Milton delivering strong performances and Howell directing efficient drives in key moments, including a two-minute drill against Seattle. He indicated that no definitive decision has been made and that the team is still evaluating its options.
Milton’s development has been a notable storyline this offseason. He has been credited with improving his understanding of the quarterback role beyond arm strength, emphasizing decision-making, timing, and execution within the offense. Early impressions highlighted Milton’s potential to grow into a reliable quarterback in the system, while Howell has continued to show accuracy and poise under pressure.
The Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart remains fluid as the team weighs its options for QB2. Howell and Milton have both demonstrated the ability to manage games, extend drives, and make plays when called upon. The coaching staff’s goal is to identify the player who can best operate within the team’s offensive scheme, protect the football, and contribute to sustained drives in the event Prescott is unavailable.
Beyond on-field performance, the backup battle has drawn attention to each quarterback’s ability to adapt to the NFL level and to lead in late-game situations. Howell’s experience managing two-minute drives and Milton’s arm strength and mobility provide the Cowboys with multiple viable paths if they need a third quarterback for utilization in certain packages or special teams roles.
As roster decisions loom, the Cowboys’ approach will likely involve evaluating not only the players’ performances in practice and preseason games but also their fit with the coaching staff’s strategic vision for the QB2 position. The outcome will shape the team’s depth at the position and influence how the Cowboys handle Prescott’s backup going into the regular season.
Additional context from this ongoing story reveals Milton’s growth as a quarterback in the league, with coaches emphasizing the importance of translating raw physical tools into game-ready decision-making. The coaching staff has highlighted the importance of understanding the offensive system, reading defenses, and making timely decisions—elements that Milton has continued to develop throughout training camp.
In summary, the Cowboys face a decisive period as they determine who will back up Dak Prescott. The competition between Sam Howell and Joe Milton remains tight, with both players contributing at a high level during preseason work. The final roster decision will hinge on who best fits the team’s offensive philosophy, can execute under pressure, and provides the most reliable depth behind Prescott. The NFL season is approaching, and Cowboys fans will be watching closely to see which quarterback earns the role behind the franchise’s starting signal-caller.
