ESPN’s Todd Archer just dropped a bombshell projection for the Dallas Cowboys, suggesting they will keep an eyebrow-raising three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster this upcoming season. Yeah, you heard that right. While Dak Prescott is absolutely locked in as the starter, there’s been a tight, undecided competition for the QB2 spot between Sam Howell and Joe Milton III through two weeks of preseason. Most teams roll with just two QBs, but this projection means the Cowboys might be going all-in on maximum comfort and insurance at the most important position on the field.
The Backup Battle’s High Stakes
This isn’t about Prescott; he’s the undisputed guy under center, no question. The real drama is swirling behind him, with both Howell and Milton fighting tooth and nail for those crucial backup duties. It’s been a legitimately tight competition, so close that after two weeks of preseason action, there’s still no clear winner. Milton might hold the “current advantage” for that QB2 job right now, but let’s be real: it is absolutely still up for grabs. Archer’s take points out that both guys have “fared well” so far, and when you consider quarterback is, without a doubt, *the* most important position in football, keeping three actually starts to make a lot of sense. It is all about having “good insurance” at the spot, making sure they’re completely covered for whatever challenges 2026 throws their way.
Why Two Backups Make Sense (Even If It Hurts Elsewhere)
When you dig into the preseason numbers, it really shows why this decision is such a fascinating puzzle. Joe Milton has looked sharp, connecting on 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards, throwing three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Sam Howell, meanwhile, has completed 15 of 22 attempts for 159 yards, adding one touchdown but also one interception. If the Cowboys *had* to pick an “odd-man out,” it would likely be Howell. But here’s the kicker: cutting him means he could easily sign with a new team, and that would genuinely be no surprise to anyone. So, to avoid the risk of losing either Howell or Milton to another squad, the Cowboys are projected to just keep them both. Sure, it would make their overall roster spots “a little bit tighter,” but the team could always look to swing a trade with a different player or “take a risk elsewhere” on the roster to balance things out. Ultimately, the entire strategy boils down to wanting to feel “a bit more comfortable” at the quarterback position as they head into the 2026 season.
This projected move for the Cowboys highlights a huge strategic choice: prioritize absolute quarterback depth above everything else, even if it means sacrificing some roster flexibility elsewhere on the 53-man squad. It is a calculated gamble to ensure they are as bulletproof as possible at the most critical position. Keep a close eye on how this fascinating roster decision plays out; those final 53-man roster cuts are always intense, and this year, they just got a whole lot more interesting for Dallas.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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