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The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with their core starting players firmly in place, but a captivating competition remains unresolved for the backup quarterback position behind franchise player Dak Prescott. Throughout training camp and preseason games, Joe Milton III and veteran free-agent signing Sam Howell have competed intensely for the role. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Milton has distinguished himself on the field by showcasing remarkable arm talent, sharp poise, and command. He has accumulated 286 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in two turnover-free appearances. This impressive performance has garnered national attention, with FOX Sports highlighting Milton as their “favorite watch of the preseason” and suggesting that his sudden rise should make the decision on Dallas' QB2 role straightforward. While head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated on DallasCowboys.com that he is not in a hurry to finalize the depth chart before Friday’s exhibition finale against the New Orleans Saints, he openly praised Milton's refined nuance and ball placement. Schottenheimer pointed out that Milton has evolved well beyond just having a strong arm, emphasizing his touch on a double-move touchdown pass to Jonathan Mingo, a scramble throw to Camden Brown, and a delicate flip pass to Malik Davis, which demonstrated veteran restraint instead of relying on overpowering velocity. This steady maturation signifies a significant transformation in Milton’s reputation. Speaking with beat reporter Clarence Hill Jr. on X, Schottenheimer remarked that Milton has shed his previous label as a one-dimensional, raw passer: “He was once known as a strong-arm QB who could throw it a long distance: ‘Go to the fair, win a teddy bear.’ It takes much more to play quarterback. Milton is demonstrating that now.” With Milton combining exceptional physical tools with newfound pocket discipline, Dallas may already have its definitive backup plan secured.