Dallas has backup quarterback options now
The Dallas Cowboys have made an addition to their quarterback room by signing free agent Sam Howell to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. It comes with $2 million fully guaranteed, and he can earn an extra $500,000 if he reaches certain playing time incentives tied to the team making a playoff run. While this is chump change in the world of professional quarterbacks, it provides the team with a battle-tested backup who has legitimate starting experience, should the Cowboys have any apprehensions about current backup quarterback Joe Milton.
Howell’s NFL journey began when he was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft by the Washington Commanders. He eventually took over as the full-time starter in 2023, where he racked up the stats while playing for a struggling team. That year, he finished with 3,946 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, and nobody threw more passes than Howell. Unfortunately, his high-volume passing came with a cost, as he also led the league with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks. He was running for his life and throwing the ball to anyone with two thumbs.
Since his departure from Washington, he has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, serving primarily as a developmental backup while waiting for his next opportunity. And alas, that opportunity has arrived, although how big it is has yet to be determined.
The move to Dallas is a bit of a homecoming for Howell, who grew up as a Cowboys fan and now finds himself playing for his third different NFC East team in just four seasons. Interestingly, his professional debut came against the Cowboys in the final week of the 2022 season, where he led Washington to a convincing 26-6 victory while recording both a passing and a rushing touchdown. Oddly enough, he and Dak Prescott are the only two current NFC East quarterbacks who have surpassed 3,900 passing yards in a single season over the last five years.
One of Howell’s greatest strengths is his pure arm talent and his willingness to challenge defenses vertically. He possesses a quick, compact release and has shown the ability to make deep throws and fit the ball into tight windows even when under duress. Additionally, he is a deceptively effective runner who can use his legs to extend plays or pick up critical first downs on designed quarterback draws. He plays with a gritty, competitive edge that often rallies his teammates when the game gets physical. He has the kind of arm strength that makes you think he could probably throw a football over a mountain, or at the very least, farther than Uncle Rico.
On the flippity flip, Howell’s weaknesses involve his pocket presence and a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long. This was most evident during his 2023 season, where his desire to make a big play often resulted in him taking unnecessary sacks or forcing passes into heavy coverage. His aggressive gunslinger mentality is a double-edged sword that can lead to explosive gains or soul-crushing turnovers depending on the week. He sometimes plays as if he believes every pass needs to be a highlight reel touchdown rather than just taking the easy checkdown to the running back.
Ultimately, the Cowboys are getting a young quarterback with starting experience who can push for the primary backup role. He provides a backup plan to their backup plan with experience and a little bit of upside if he can refine his decision-making. His familiarity with the NFC East landscape should allow him to transition quickly into the Dallas offense during the offseason program and make preseason games a little more interesting.
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