Experience triumphed over potential in Dallas as Sam Howell’s veteran poise and late-game heroics secured his roster spot, leaving preseason standout Joe Milton unemployed - at leasr for a moment.
To many people's shock, the Dallas Cowboys decided to keep Sam Howell as Dak Prescott's backup to start the 2026 season, which meant Joe Milton was cut.
Many thought it would be the other way around, as Milton looked like he had developed the way Dallas wanted, but Howell does have proper NFL experience that Joe doesn't have.
With both playing well against the Seattle Seahawks, Milton playing better against the Arizona Cardinals, and then Howell's second-half comeback against the Saints, the battle was always going to go down to the wire.
But as Dallas made its initial cuts, it kept three quarterbacks, something many thought could happen.
However, the following day, Milton was cut, which did confuse some.
As we write this on Wednesday morning, Milton has cleared waivers and can sign with any team that offers him a spot - practice-squad or otherwise.
The Cowboys have said they'd "absolutely'' like him back.
But for now ...
"We were debating it," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said of the duel between the two. "It was back and forth, but Sam, he's got a great feel for what we're trying to do. The way he played against New Orleans really was good.
"We just felt like making this decision now was in the best interest of our football team, giving us clarity. Sam has done an awesome job of learning the system, his understanding and grasp of the playbook is really good. He's got great field vision, and that's why he's able to play pretty quick through progressions."
So if the battle was that close, there must have been something else that tipped the scales in Howell's favor, right?
The one thing that does stick out is that Howell has played in 20 games (18 starts), so he has real NFL experience, something Milton doesn't yet.
Did that play a role in Dallas keeping Howell over Joe?
"That was discussed," Schottenheimer added. "I think that played a part in it, but that was not the only reason for the decision."
So, it might not have been the only reason Dallas kept Sam, but you can certainly make the case that it played a big role.
Schottenheimer has talked about building a football team to win now, and if you ask the Cowboys who is better prepared to step into a game if Dak Prescott goes down injured and keep the ship afloat, the answer is clearly Howell.
Why? Experience.
