Cowboys Face Important QB2 Decision: Is Joe Milton Ready to Be Dak Prescott’s Backup?

One of the defining truths of the modern NFL—one the Dallas Cowboys know all too well—is that elite teams must have a top-tier starting quarterback. For Dallas, that is Dak Prescott, the clear QB1 and cornerstone of the offense.

But another lesson has quietly emerged across the league: a trustworthy backup quarterback can be just as critical.

That reality has forced the Cowboys to take a hard look at their current depth chart and ask an increasingly important question: Is Joe Milton ready to be the Cowboys’ QB2?

Why the Backup Quarterback Matters More Than Ever

The 2025 season provided painful reminders around the league. Teams like the Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts all saw promising seasons derailed when injuries exposed shaky quarterback depth.

On the other end of the spectrum, the San Francisco 49ers demonstrated the value of stability by having Mac Jones ready behind Brock Purdy, allowing the team to stay competitive even when adversity struck.

Dallas has lived this reality before.

For years, the Cowboys trusted Cooper Rush as Prescott’s backup. Rush famously started his Dallas career 4–0, earning confidence within the organization. However, when Prescott went down with a hamstring injury in 2024, Rush struggled to maintain consistency, finishing 4–4 as a starter and exposing the limits of that safety net.

Now, the spotlight turns to Joe Milton.

Joe Milton Is Currently the Cowboys’ QB2

Milton arrived in the NFL with intrigue and risk. A former Tennessee quarterback, he possessed elite physical traits but was widely viewed as raw. That perception caused him to slide to the sixth round, where the New England Patriots selected him.

Dallas acquired Milton via trade last offseason, betting on upside over experience.

In limited action with the Cowboys, Milton’s stat line remains modest:

• 15-for-24 passing

• 183 yards

• 1 touchdown

• 2 interceptions

Those numbers neither confirm nor disqualify him—but they underscore how unfinished the evaluation remains.

According to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com, the Cowboys appear prepared to move forward with Milton as Prescott’s primary backup, at least for now.

“Joe Milton is the only other quarterback on the roster, as Will Grier was not signed to a reserve/futures deal,” Yarrish wrote. “For now, Milton will remain Prescott’s backup, and it appears to be trending that way for a second season.”

Scouting Report Remains the Same: Talent Without Polish

Milton’s scouting profile has changed little since college.

The positives are obvious. Elite arm strength. The ability to make throws few quarterbacks in the league can attempt. That raw power is the reason Milton remains in the NFL.

The concerns are equally clear.

Milton is still learning the nuances of running a professional offense—processing coverages, managing protections, and consistently making the right decision at NFL speed. At times, he looks more like a thrower than a quarterback.

As Yarrish noted, Milton has the physical tools, but polish remains the missing piece.

The Cowboys’ Calculated Gamble

For now, Dallas appears comfortable betting on development. January allows patience. The offseason, however, brings tougher questions.

Prescott will be 33 years old this season, and while he remains durable, the Cowboys understand the risks of relying on a developmental QB2 if injuries strike again.

That raises the possibility of Dallas adding competition.

Are Veteran Backup Options Available?

If the Cowboys decide Milton is not ready, their alternatives are limited and imperfect.

They could:

• Carry three quarterbacks on the roster (a move teams generally avoid)

• Bring back Will Grier as a practice-squad option, hoping he could push Milton

• Explore the veteran free-agent market

But even that market offers uncertainty.

Would veterans like Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, or Joe Flacco qualify as reliable upgrades? And would any of them accept a practice-squad role rather than a guaranteed roster spot?

Yarrish framed the dilemma clearly:

“Should Grier not return, it would be interesting to see who the Cowboys would pursue in the free agency market. They would likely look for a veteran at the position, but would they be required to carry three QBs on the active roster or could they find someone willing to be on the practice squad?”

Where Things Stand

For now, Joe Milton appears to be the Cowboys’ QB2. The organization believes continued development could transform raw ability into dependable readiness.

But this is not a final verdict.

As the offseason progresses, Dallas may still decide that experience matters more than upside behind Dak Prescott. Until then, the Cowboys are trending toward Milton—but they are not locked in.

In today’s NFL, the margin for error at quarterback is razor-thin. And for the Cowboys, the answer to their QB2 question could matter more than they hope.