The Cowboys still face a pressing question behind Dak Prescott after Joe Milton’s rough stretch in the preseason, a development that has the club weighing its options for a reliable No. 2 quarterback.
Milton’s upside is undeniable on paper: he’s under contract for three years with minimal cash outlay and cap hits. But through two preseason appearances, he has failed to cement himself as a trusted understudy, leaving Dallas wary of turning the backup role over to Will Grier, who has spent his career as a veteran depth option rather than a dependable stabilizer.
Here are the paths Dallas could pursue in search of a seasoned roller to bridge Prescott’s absences, if needed.
1) Sign a free agent
The pool isn’t deep, but options exist. Veteran signal-callers such as Carson Wentz and Ryan Tannehill are available, though both carry questions about recent play and durability. C.J. Beathard has familiarity with Cowboys coaches from years past and could be groomed as a transitional No. 2 if Dallas believes he can absorb the offense quickly. The challenge for Dallas is finding a veteran who can step in and operate the offense without a lengthy learning curve.
2) Make a trade
The Cowboys have been active in trades for quarterback depth before, with mixed results. They sent a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance last year, only to see that experiment move on. This year, they traded for Milton and a late pick, and the future telly will be watched closely. If Dallas looks for a proven commodity, it could target a quarterback with substantial game experience rather than another unproven option. Potential discussions might involve veteran backups who have logged meaningful snaps elsewhere, rather than gambling on a high-upside, low-floor prospect.
3) Wait it out
Rosters will be trimmed to 53 players in the near term, and the waiver wire could yield a ready-made veteran or a promising practice-squad breakout. Dallas could choose to hold pat, letting the market clear and pouncing on a familiar fit that becomes available after cutdowns or in free agency next month. This route hinges on patience and trusting Prescott’s resilience while counting on the depth at the position to surface without overpaying.
4) Hope Prescott stays healthy
Prescott has a documented history of missing time, including lengthy stretches in 2020, one game in 2021, five in 2022, and nine last season. The Cowboys are well aware of the risk and the potential disruption to their offense if Prescott is sidelined again. The simplest path would be to keep the status quo, cross fingers for good injury luck, and hope the internal options develop in a way that minimizes risk.
Any path Dallas takes will be guided by a balance of cost, fit, and risk. The team has already committed to Milton as a long-term prospect with upside, but the immediate need is for a veteran with extensive game experience who can step in and run the offense without a steep learning curve if Prescott cannot play.
What to watch next as teams trim rosters and weigh backup options:
– Which veteran becomes available at a reasonable price who can contribute right away.
– Whether Dallas prioritizes stability and experience over upside and potential.
– If a trade becomes appealing, which teams might be willing to part with a reliable veteran who can adapt to the Cowboys’ system quickly.
– How Milton’s development evolves, and whether Dallas believes he can take meaningful strides to become Prescott’s long-term complement.
Bottom line: Dallas remains in the market for a dependable sheriff behind Prescott, but the exact route—free agency, a trade, or patience through the waiver period—will depend on how the veteran landscape shakes out in the coming days and how Milton progresses. The Cowboys have shown a willingness to pursue stability at the position, and with the season approaching, a clear and capable backup could be the difference between a strong offense and a season unduly burdened by quarterback uncertainty.
Additional context for readers:
– The Cowboys’ recent move to acquire Milton came with the expectation that he could grow into a useful contributor, especially given his low financial commitment. If a veteran option isn’t found quickly, Dallas could lean on Milton more heavily early in the season and reassess as rosters finalize.
– For fans, the key takeaway is that the team recognizes the injury risk at the quarterback position and is prepared to act if the right opportunity presents itself. A strategic addition could provide needed insurance and keep Dallas’ offense humming even if Prescott misses time.