Howell's Cowboys Dream: Backup Battle

0:00On March 19, Sam Howell, the 25-year-old quarterback, just signed with the Dallas Cowboys, the team he grew up cheering for as a kid. Drafted by the Washington commanders in 2022, 144th overall, he's come full circle after bouncing around the league. Now he's vying for the back of spot behind Dak Prescott. Howell made his pro debut throwing against Dallas in his rookie year, then started the finale there, completing 11 of 19 passes for one. 169 yards, a touchdown, and a pick in a solid win. The next season, he took over a starter, leading the league in passing yards early with over 2,700 through mid-November, but he got sacked the league high 40 times in his first seven games. That year ended four wins and 13 losses for Washington, leading to his departure. He had brief stops with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles before hitting free agency and landing back in the NFC East with his childhood favorites.

1:02Howell has always admired Cowboys' quarterbacks like Tony Romo from his youth and Prescott whom he watched in college. He respects Dak's leadership, arm strength, and efficiency. Prescott's 2025 season saw 4,052 yards, 30 touchdowns, and MVP buzzed despite defensive woes. With Will Greer out, Howell competes with Joe Milton for quarterback two duties. Training camp will decide his role, and he's excited to learn up close while helping push Dallas toward that elusive deep playoff run.