DAL Sam Howell
NFL player. Position: QB. Team: DAL.
Quick Facts
- Position: QB
- Team: DAL (Dallas Cowboys)
2026 Outlook
Howell was signed as a free agent in 2026 to compete for the backup QB role behind Dak Prescott. A 2022 fifth-round pick out of Washington, Howell brings 18 career starts—all with the Commanders—and has been exposed to multiple NFL systems over four seasons with five different teams. His resumé shows a 5-13 record as a starter with 4,139 passing yards, 22 TDs and 23 INTs, plus a 77.5 passer rating and 62.6% completion percentage. Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the acquisition, noting Howell's experience starting for Washington as a "crazy opportunity" and describing the backup QB competition with Joe Milton as "fun" and a way to elevate depth. While Howell's starting experience gives him an edge in a true emergency, his lack of playing time (14 pass attempts) over the last two seasons suggests he's rougher around the edges than Milton in terms of system familiarity. The backup QB battle is expected to extend into training camp. (per Cowboys QB2 battle heats up, coach hypes 'fun competition' behind Dak Prescott)
Role / Depth Chart
Competing for backup QB role behind Dak Prescott. Split reps with Joe Milton during OTAs and training camp.
Injury Status
Recent News
- 2026-05-28 — SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos (SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos)
- 2026-06-09 — Cowboys QB2 battle heats up, coach hypes 'fun competition' behind Dak Prescott (Cowboys QB2 battle heats up, coach hypes 'fun competition' behind Dak Prescott)