Cowboys' backup QB situation could already have a clear cut favorite

The Cowboys have a decision to make when it comes to the backup quarterback spot. However, one team newcomer may have already earned the spot.
New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Gillette Stadium.
New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Gillette Stadium. / David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys had to lean on backup quarterback Cooper Rush last season after Dak Prescott went down with a serious hamstring injury.

Going into 2025, the hope is that Prescott will be back to 100%, and the need for a solid backup will not be necessary.

However, nothing is promised, and this year the Cowboys don't have Rush, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.

MORE: Joe Milton shows off viral athleticism in Dallas Cowboys photo shoot

The backup position has yet to be given to one player, but the editorial staff on the Cowboys' official website seems to think newcomer Joe Milton is the perfect candidate.

Joe Milton II
New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Gillette Stadium. / David Butler II-Imagn Images

Tommy Yarrish had this to say on a potential backup battle between Milton and WIll Grier:

"It's hard for me to place high expectations when the backup quarterbacks on the roster have played in a combined three regular season games with just 148 snaps of offense between the two of them. That doesn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence, but that doesn't mean that Joe Milton and/or Will Grier can't help the Cowboys win games. I think Milton gives you a better shot than Grier does, but he's still got a lot of growing to do from a processing standpoint and putting all the pieces of being an NFL quarterback together."

The Cowboys made a trade early in the offseason with the New England Patriots for Milton. The former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback screams potential with his arm strength. However, could this be another Trey Lance story?

Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI

Cowboys' 2026 NFL mock draft projection lands stud SEC pass rusher

Cowboys' most pressing concern identified, and it's not running back

Cowboys urged to trade former second-round pick after AFC blockbuster

Dallas Cowboys get unflattering comparison to broken down luxury car

PHOTOS: KayDianna Garza, star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc


Published
Tyler Reed
TYLER REED

Tyler is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he majored in communications. Aside from his roles with the Cowboys and Chargers on SI, Tyler also covers sports and pop culture for The Big Lead.