Prominent sports commentator Skip Bayless has offered his take on the Dallas Cowboys’ ongoing backup quarterback competition, giving a slight edge to Sam Howell over Joe Milton III following the team’s preseason opener.
“I’ll take Sam Howell slightly over Joe Milton as Cowboys backup QB. Milton is bigger, faster w/ a stronger arm. But Howell has played far more NFL football – 18 starts – so I’d trust him a little more if he had to play 3-4 games. Howell looked pretty good in tonight’s 1st half,” Bayless wrote on X after the game.
The Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 17-7 on Saturday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Howell started and played the entire first half, completing eight of 12 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. Milton entered for the second half and finished 12 of 15 for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Both quarterbacks threw scoring passes to undrafted free agent wide receiver Camden Brown. Howell connected with Brown on a 39-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Milton found him for a two-yard score early in the third.
The performances came as the two compete for the No. 2 role behind starter Dak Prescott. Milton served as the primary backup last season after the Cowboys acquired him in a trade. Howell signed a one-year contract with Dallas in free agency this offseason.
Howell, a former fifth-round pick, has started 18 NFL games in his career, all with the Washington Commanders. He started all 17 contests in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards with 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His career totals stand at 404 completions on 645 attempts for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
Milton, selected in the sixth round of the 2024 draft, measures 6-foot-5 and about 235 pounds. He has drawn attention for his elite arm strength and athleticism. In limited action last season with Dallas, he completed 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has described the battle as a fun competition throughout the offseason and training camp. The two quarterbacks rotated second-team repetitions during organized team activities and minicamp.
In the preseason opener, Schottenheimer praised both players’ efficiency.
“They just hung in there and made the throws when they had to make them, and they were both very efficient,” he said after the game.
Bayless’s preference for Howell centers on the value of experience. The 18 career starts give Howell a clear edge in game exposure compared with Milton, who has yet to start an NFL contest. That difference could prove significant if Prescott misses multiple games due to injury.
Prescott has dealt with significant injuries in past seasons, including a season-ending ankle injury in 2020 and another serious issue in 2024. Reliable backup play has been a priority for the franchise as a result.
Howell’s performance in the first half against Seattle’s reserves included efficient short and intermediate throws. He also scrambled effectively at times. Milton showcased his arm talent and improved accuracy in the second half, completing 80 percent of his attempts.
The competition is expected to continue through the remaining preseason games. The Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals next week before closing the exhibition schedule against the New Orleans Saints.
Analysts have noted the contrast in styles. Milton offers higher upside with his physical tools and potential as a dual-threat option. Howell provides a more polished, experienced presence who can step in and operate the offense with greater familiarity.
Dallas signed Howell in March, shortly before releasing previous backup Will Grier. The move signaled an intent to create genuine competition at the position under Schottenheimer’s staff.
Howell has bounced around the league in recent years, spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles after his Washington tenure. He has seen limited action since his 2023 starting role.
Milton spent his rookie season with the New England Patriots before the trade to Dallas. He appeared in one game that year and showed flashes of his strong arm and mobility.
Both players avoided turnovers Saturday night. Combined, they completed 20 of 27 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
The Cowboys’ offense featured several reserves and undrafted players, making the efficient showings from both quarterbacks noteworthy. Brown’s two touchdown catches highlighted the supporting cast available to the backups.
Bayless’s public endorsement of Howell adds another layer to the discussion surrounding the position battle. His comments, posted shortly after the final whistle, quickly circulated among fans and media following the game.
The final decision on the backup role will likely come toward the end of the preseason as the Cowboys finalize their 53-man roster. Experience versus raw talent remains the central theme in evaluating the two options.
For a franchise that has seen its starting quarterback sidelined for extended periods in recent years, the choice carries weight beyond typical depth chart decisions. Bayless made clear where he stands after watching Howell operate in the first half against Seattle.
