Cowboys Quarterback Battle Intensifies as Brian Schottenheimer Sets Clear Rules for Joe Milton and Sam Howell Competition

The Dallas Cowboys may already have their franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott, but one of the most intriguing battles of the offseason is taking place behind him.

With training camp approaching, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear that the competition for the No. 2 quarterback job will be fair, structured, and highly competitive. Joe Milton and Sam Howell are now officially battling for the backup role, and neither player appears to have an advantage heading into the summer.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Schottenheimer announced that second-team repetitions will be divided evenly between the two quarterbacks.

“Brian Schottenheimer said the No. 2 QB reps will be split evenly between Joe Milton and Sam Howell,” Archer reported. “Last week Milton took the No. 2 reps, this week will be Howell. It’s going to be a fun competition, Schottenheimer said.”

That decision immediately adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating quarterback room in Dallas.

Cowboys Refuse to Hand Joe Milton the Backup Job

Many expected Joe Milton to enter the 2026 offseason as the clear favorite to remain Dak Prescott’s primary backup after serving in that role last season.

Instead, the Cowboys have chosen competition over comfort.

Dallas acquired Milton from the New England Patriots last year, and the young quarterback quickly impressed coaches with his elite arm strength and physical tools. During offseason workouts and training camp, Milton’s cannon-like arm generated excitement throughout the organization.

However, flashes of potential have not yet translated into consistent production.

In four appearances during the 2025 season, Milton completed 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. He also struggled in limited action during the season finale, where he finished with another interception.

While the raw talent is undeniable, questions remain about his decision-making and overall command of the offense.

Todd Archer recently identified Milton as the Cowboys player with the most to prove entering the new season.

The expectation inside the organization is that Milton’s second year in the system should bring noticeable growth. Coaches want to see improved understanding of the offense rather than relying exclusively on his rare arm strength.

If Milton can show better timing, accuracy, and consistency, he could solidify himself as Prescott’s long-term backup.

But the Cowboys clearly are not willing to simply assume that will happen.

Sam Howell Arrives to Create Real Competition

Dallas made the quarterback competition much more interesting by signing veteran Sam Howell in free agency.

The move surprised some observers because Milton appeared positioned to inherit the role uncontested. Instead, the Cowboys chose to bring in a quarterback with significant starting experience.

Howell spent the 2025 season as a backup with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he is best known for his time with the Washington Commanders.

After appearing in limited action during his rookie season, Howell became Washington’s full-time starter in 2023. He started all 17 games and showed flashes of playmaking ability, but the season ultimately proved difficult.

The Commanders finished with a 4-13 record, and Howell led the NFL with 21 interceptions. Despite those struggles, his experience as a full-time starter remains valuable.

Since leaving Washington, Howell has moved around the league, spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Eagles before arriving in Dallas.

Now entering his fourth team in three seasons, Howell is hoping to revive his career and prove he can still become a dependable NFL quarterback.

His experience could provide him with an advantage over Milton, especially when it comes to reading defenses and managing games.

Joe Milton’s Patriots Exit Still Remains One of the NFL’s Biggest What-If Stories

Despite being only two seasons into his NFL career, Joe Milton has already become part of one of the league’s most fascinating alternate-history scenarios.

At the end of the 2024 season, the New England Patriots controlled their destiny in the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

All they needed to do was lose their season finale against the Buffalo Bills.

With rookie quarterback Drake Maye resting and many of Buffalo’s starters sitting out ahead of the playoffs, Milton received his opportunity to start.

Instead of losing, he led New England to victory.

The win cost the Patriots the No. 1 overall selection and dramatically changed the franchise’s draft position.

Shortly after the season ended, head coach Jerod Mayo was fired, and Milton was eventually traded to Dallas.

The sequence of events continues to spark debate among NFL fans about how differently the Patriots’ future might have unfolded.

Brian Schottenheimer Wants Competition Throughout the Roster

One message has become increasingly clear under Brian Schottenheimer’s leadership: no position will be guaranteed.

Rather than awarding roles based on previous status, the Cowboys appear committed to creating genuine competition throughout the roster.

That philosophy is now evident at quarterback.

While Dak Prescott remains firmly entrenched as the starter and face of the franchise, the backup position carries enormous importance. Prescott has dealt with injuries in the past, making depth behind him a critical issue for Dallas.

Having two capable backup quarterbacks could ultimately become one of the team’s most important insurance policies.

Who Has the Edge?

At this point, the competition appears completely open.

Joe Milton possesses superior physical tools and has the advantage of already knowing the Cowboys’ offensive system.

Sam Howell, meanwhile, offers more starting experience and has faced the pressures that come with leading an NFL offense for an entire season.

Both players have strengths.

Both players have weaknesses.

And according to Brian Schottenheimer, both players will receive equal opportunities to prove themselves.

As training camp progresses, the battle between Joe Milton and Sam Howell could become one of the most closely watched position competitions on the Cowboys roster.

For Dallas, finding the right answer behind Dak Prescott may prove more important than many fans initially realize.