The Dallas Cowboys have engaged in one of the less exciting discussions this offseason regarding their depth chart, specifically debating whether Joe Milton or Sam Howell should serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott.
Neither option inspires much confidence, as both have shown significant limitations in their playing time. Given Prescott’s well-documented history of missing games due to injuries, the organization appears to need a more reliable contingency plan if it truly aims to compete for a championship.
Simply put, promoting Milton or Howell does not project the level of seriousness required for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. There exists a genuine opportunity to significantly strengthen the position through a strategic move.
Analysts have highlighted trading for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson as a top priority for the Colts moving forward. Such a deal could provide the Cowboys with a high-upside talent who might stabilize their backup situation.
According to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, the Colts organization finds itself at a critical juncture.
“The Indianapolis Colts sit at an organizational crossroads,” Sobleski wrote. “Another failed season likely signals the end of the current regime … The front office also knows Richardson isn’t the team’s quarterback of the future and should be dealt for whatever it can get.”
In a potential trade, Indianapolis might accept a mid-round draft selection in return for the former first-round pick, representing solid value for Dallas in pursuit of improved depth.
While Richardson’s salary for the upcoming 2026 season stands at $5.38 million, it aligns reasonably with expectations for a short-term backup role. Importantly, he enters the final year of his rookie contract, meaning the commitment would not extend long-term.
Richardson’s early NFL career has been marked by inconsistency and setbacks. He has lost his starting position on multiple occasions across his first three seasons, culminating in a fractured orbital bone sustained during pre-game warmups in 2025 that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
This trajectory has turned what was once a promising asset into one that holds diminishing value for the Colts. A fresh environment could potentially unlock the athleticism and arm talent that made him a high draft selection initially.
Sports writer Max Dible floated a similar trade idea back in 2025, just prior to the injury.
“Richardson is far more proven than Joe Milton III, whom Jerry Jones gave up a fifth-round pick to get,” Dible wrote. “The Cowboys also sent a fourth-rounder to the 49ers for Trey Lance, which didn’t work out. The third time, with a third-round pick, could prove the charm. Dallas is already spending $60 million a year on Dak Prescott and refused to pay Micah Parsons what he deserves, so why not to take a swing on a high-upside talent like Richardson?”
The proposal raises valid points about Dallas’s history of investing draft capital in developmental quarterbacks. Past attempts, such as with Trey Lance, yielded mixed results, yet the potential reward with a player of Richardson’s physical tools could justify another calculated risk.
Financially, the Cowboys have demonstrated willingness to allocate substantial resources to key positions. With Prescott commanding a hefty annual salary, adding a capable successor on a one-year deal would not drastically impact their overall budget.
Of course, any acquisition would require careful evaluation of Richardson’s readiness and fit within the team’s offensive scheme. His combination of size, speed, and throwing ability still offers intriguing possibilities if he can achieve greater consistency.
Ultimately, whether Dallas pursues this avenue depends on internal assessments and willingness to part with additional assets. At minimum, the concept generates worthwhile conversation around elevating the backup role beyond current limitations.
As the offseason progresses, expect continued speculation about creative solutions to bolster the quarterback room. For a franchise chasing sustained success, addressing vulnerabilities proactively could make the difference in a demanding NFC landscape.
