Andrew Buller-Russ
The Dallas Cowboys are busy rebuilding their defense after allowing the most points in the NFL in 2025. But they still have needs on offense too. On Wednesday, Dallas made a small addition to the roster, and he’s the first player to join the Cowboys’ offense this offseason.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are signing backup quarterback Sam Howell. It is a one-year contract for the 25-year-old QB.
Howell arrived in the league as the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s bounced around between three teams entering the NFL.
Howell’s career began with the Commanders, where he was their full-time starter in 2023. He led the NFL with 612 attempts, but also had more interceptions (21) than anyone else. He also took an NFL-high 65 sacks.
Yet, Howell has spent the past two seasons on the bench for the Seahawks, Vikings, and Eagles. The Vikings ended up trading for Howell by shipping the 142nd overall pick to the Seahawks for the 172nd pick in 2025. Once the Vikings realized they didn’t want Howell to be their primary backup, they traded him to the Eagles along with a sixth-round pick in exchange plus a fifth and seventh-round selection.
After being a backup for the past two seasons, now he’ll do the same for the Cowboys. Chances are, the Cowboys will have Howell compete with Joe Milton to be the primary backup to Dak Prescott. With 18 starts in the NFL under his belt, Howell is plenty capable.
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