FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with quarterback Sam Howell, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced Tuesday. The move adds depth to the Cowboys’ quarterback room as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
Howell, 25, originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, his career has taken him through multiple franchises, including stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings before landing in Philadelphia. This will be his third NFC East team.
Across four seasons, Howell has appeared in 20 games, making 18 starts. He has completed 404 of 645 passing attempts for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. While his overall numbers reflect a player still developing, the Cowboys are betting on his potential as a capable backup.
Interestingly, Howell’s first NFL start came against the Cowboys in Week 18 of the 2022 season, leading the Commanders to a surprising 26-6 victory. In that game, he completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding 35 rushing yards and another touchdown on five carries. That performance, while a loss for Dallas, likely provided the Cowboys’ coaching staff with a first-hand look at his abilities.
The Commanders traded Howell, along with a fourth-round and a sixth-round draft pick, to the Seahawks in March 2024 in exchange for a third-round and a fifth-round pick. He played in two games for Seattle before being traded again. Last offseason, the Vikings acquired Howell and a fifth-round pick from the Seahawks, then traded him to the Eagles, along with a sixth-round pick, for a fifth and seventh-round pick. This series of trades highlights Howell’s availability and the league’s perception of his value as a potential asset.
With the signing, the Cowboys now boast a quarterback room consisting of Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Will Grier, and Howell. Dallas acquired Milton from the New England Patriots last year, and he served as Prescott’s primary backup during the 2025 season. It’s unusual for teams to carry four quarterbacks on the active roster, suggesting a competitive battle for the backup roles during the offseason program and training camp.
The Cowboys’ decision to add Howell provides insurance behind Prescott and creates a potentially valuable developmental opportunity. While Prescott remains firmly entrenched as the starter, the competition for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots will be closely watched. The team will be evaluating Howell’s ability to learn the offense, protect the ball, and contribute in a reserve role.
For Howell, this move represents a chance to stabilize his career and potentially find a long-term home. After bouncing around the league, he’ll be looking to impress the Cowboys’ coaching staff and prove he can be a reliable backup in a high-profile organization. The Cowboys’ system, known for its emphasis on strong quarterback play, could be a good fit for his skillset.
The Eagles, meanwhile, had acquired Howell as insurance behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. With both Hurts and McKee firmly in place, Howell became expendable. Philadelphia’s quarterback situation is stable, allowing them to part ways with Howell without significantly impacting their depth chart.
The Cowboys’ signing of Sam Howell adds an intriguing dynamic to their quarterback competition. While Prescott is the clear leader, the battle for the backup roles will be one to watch as the team prepares for the 2026 season. The move underscores the importance of quarterback depth in the modern NFL, where injuries and unexpected circumstances can quickly change a team’s fortunes.
The next key date for the Cowboys and Howell will be the start of the NFL’s free agency period, when the contract can be officially finalized. Following that, the team will begin its offseason program, providing Howell with his first opportunity to integrate into the Cowboys’ system and compete for a roster spot.
Fans can follow updates on the Cowboys’ quarterback situation and the team’s overall offseason moves on the official Dallas Cowboys website and through verified NFL news sources.
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