Jun 10, 2026, 11:30 AM CUT

Cowboys HC Labels QB2 Competition As Fun To Determine Dak Prescott’s Backup

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

A year after serving as Dak Prescott’s backup, Joe Milton is now locked in a heated QB2 battle with free agent signee Sam Howell. As competition ramps up in Dallas, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has labeled the quarterback race a “fun competition.”

"They're both doing good," Schottenheimer said of Milton and Howell, per USA Today. "We're rotating them evenly. The first was week Joe getting most of the twos and Sam mixing in, and this week, it's the other way around. But it's going to be a fun competition, and I love how they're pushing each other to be great."

The head coach stressed that the competition isn’t a reflection of Milton’s performance last season. Rather, it’s about allowing the Cowboys to build more depth at quarterback and identify the best backup behind Prescott.

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 25: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott 4 stands on the field during game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on December 25, 2025 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. Photo by Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 25 Cowboys at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251225009

“We're always trying to raise the level and improve the room any chance we get," Schottenheimer explained. "We've been very fortunate here having some really great young men that are competitors filling those spots."

Last year, Milton played four games for the Cowboys, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Those numbers aren't enough to secure the backup quarterback job.

So, based on experience, Howell is a better choice. The former Washington starter has 18 NFL starts under his belt, compiling a 5-13 record with 4,139 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.

Milton, meanwhile, is still waiting for his first official NFL start but has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards and a 90.4 passer rating. While the QB2 race is intensifying, Dak Prescott appears ready to take on the competition.

Dak Prescott Values the Offseason Workouts

As Prescott enters his 11th season with the Cowboys and takes part in another round of OTAs, the veteran quarterback has revealed that his offseason mindset remains unchanged, mirroring the approach he carried as a rookie in 2016.

“When I walk in these doors, anytime I walk in these doors, I'm just trying to be very intentful for anything and everything that I do. Being this far in, obviously leading the other guys, make sure they understand just how valuable these reps are, how valuable it is just us getting to be around each other this time of the year,” said Prescott, per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com.

With five of six OTA practices completed, the Cowboys have just one voluntary session remaining on June 11 before mandatory minicamp begins on June 16.

That said, while head coach Brian Schottenheimer said George Pickens has yet to confirm his attendance, he expects the wideout to report next week.

That said, what are your thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys team this year? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore