Sam Howell Joins Cowboys with Hope of Career Reset and Competing for Backup Role

The life of an NFL backup quarterback is unique. It requires a player to stay ready at all times, sometimes for just a series, sometimes for a month, but always with the knowledge that they are easily expendable. For new Dallas Cowboys addition Sam Howell, the goal is still to get another shot at being a starting quarterback in the league, but for now, he’s focused on sticking around in North Texas and competing for a spot on the roster.

Howell’s Arrival in Dallas: Competing for Backup Role

Howell was signed by the Cowboys last week, adding another competitor to the team’s quarterback room. The 25-year-old, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, will battle Joe Milton for the backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott. Howell brings more experience than Milton, having started for a season with the Washington Commanders. While his 2023 season was less than stellar, with a 4-13 record, 21 interceptions, and a league-high 63 sacks, Howell did manage to throw for 3,946 yards.

Despite the rough season, Howell’s experience as a starter gives him an edge over Milton, who has less experience at the NFL level. Howell’s familiarity with starting and his potential for growth as a backup make him a solid addition to the Cowboys’ quarterback room.

Howell’s Motivation: Learning from Prescott and Schottenheimer

While Howell’s primary focus is on competing for the backup role, he’s also looking at the opportunity to learn from Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Prescott is coming off a strong 2025 season, throwing for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, leading the NFL with 404 completions. Howell has been impressed by Prescott’s performance and sees a chance to learn from one of the league’s top quarterbacks.

In a meeting with Cowboys media, Howell spoke highly of Prescott, saying:

“I know some guys that have been around him a lot and just everyone that knows him talks so highly about him. I just think in my short conversations with him, he really knows the quarterback position well, and I love how he has Dak playing right now.”

As Howell continues to develop, he’s hoping to follow in the footsteps of other quarterbacks who’ve revived their careers as backups, learning under a seasoned starter and offensive coordinator. Players like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Malik Willis have all demonstrated how aligning with the right mentorship can lead to a second chance as a starter.

Aiming for a Fresh Start: Howell’s Career Outlook

Howell acknowledges that his time with the Cowboys could be a pivotal point in his career. After being cut loose by the Commanders, Howell sees this as an opportunity to reset and improve. He’s eager to develop under Schottenheimer and believes there is still a lot of good football ahead of him.

He said:

“I think there is a lot of good football ahead of me. I think the opportunity to develop under (Schottenheimer) is obviously something that was very enticing to me, which ultimately kind of led to me wanting to come here.”

For Howell, this is an opportunity to refine his game and improve his chances of starting again in the future, whether with the Cowboys or elsewhere.

The Backup QB Mentality: Supporting Dak Prescott

As Howell enters the quarterback room, his primary goal is to help the team and support Prescott. While he will compete for the backup role, his mindset is about making the room better and learning from the veterans. He emphasized the importance of having a team-first mentality:

“I’m just excited to be there. Try to make the (QB) room better. We’ll all try to make each other better every single day. That’s kind of the mentality and mindset I have coming in. At the end of the day, we’re there to support Dak and try to help Dak and get better along the way.”

What’s Next for Sam Howell?

As Howell settles into his role with the Cowboys, his future is still uncertain, but this opportunity in Dallas represents a fresh start. With Prescott and Schottenheimer as resources, Howell has the potential to learn, grow, and eventually secure another chance to start in the league.

For now, Howell’s focus is on competing for the backup quarterback job and contributing to the Cowboys’ success in any way he can. Whether or not he earns that backup spot, his time in Dallas will undoubtedly help shape the next chapter of his NFL career.

Stay tuned as the Cowboys’ quarterback competition unfolds and Howell’s journey continues in Dallas.