QB · DAL
general
This new Cowboy will be an important part of training camp
Sam Howell is going to be an important part of training camp
Sam Howell
QB · DAL · 25 yrs · exp 4 · North Carolina
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
1,020
Rank
#441
Pos rank
#64
7d trend
-2.6% (7d vs prior)
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 1,020
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
general
Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 59
It is Day 59 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed. We’re now on Day 59 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit a Thanksgiving blowout that became historic because of one unbelievable defensive play. The Cowboys entered Thanksgiving 2023 at 7-3, still perfect at home and trying to keep pressure on Philadelphia in the NFC East. Washington came in at 4-7, with Sam Howell throwing for a ton of yards but also taking sacks and turning the ball over at a high rate. Dallas did not explode immediately. The Cowboys’ first touchdown came late in the first quarter after a 90-yard drive, with Prescott finding Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard score. Washington answered in the second quarter with a Joey Slye field goal, but Dallas regained control before halftime. Prescott found Brandin Cooks for a 31-yard touchdown, Tony Pollard scored from seven yards out with 26 seconds left in the half, and the Cowboys went to the locker room up 20-10. The third quarter was quiet on the scoreboard, but the fourth quarter became a holiday avalanche. Brandon Aubrey opened the quarter with a 52-yard field goal, then Prescott hit CeeDee Lamb for a 15-yard touchdown and found Lamb again for the two-point conversion. A few minutes later, Prescott connected with KaVontae Turpin for a 34-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 38-10 and turning the game into a full Thanksgiving party at AT&T Stadium. Then came the historic moment of the day. With 4:39 left, Howell threw toward the sideline, DaRon Bland jumped the route, and suddenly history was in motion. He intercepted the pass, spun away from traffic, dodged multiple Washington players, and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown. It was his fifth pick-six of the 2023 season, breaking the NFL single-season record for interception returns for touchdowns. The play put Dallas ahead 45-10 and transformed an already-dominant win into one of the most memorable Thanksgiving games in Cowboys and NFL history. This game belongs on the countdown because it was more than another Thanksgiving rout. It was the day Bland turned a great season into a record-breaking one, doing it on one of the NFL’s most visible stages. The Cowboys improved to 8-3, extended their home winning streak, and gave fans the perfect holiday celebration. DaRon Bland’s pick-six was his fifth of the 2023 season, breaking the NFL single-season record. He passed Eric Allen , Jim Kearney, and Ken Houston, who had shared the previous record with four. Countdown To Kickoff by day: 1 00 , 99 , 98 , 97 , 96 , 95 , 94 , 93 , 92 , 91 , 90 , 89 , 88 , 87 , 86 , 85 , 84 , 83 , 82 , 81 , 80 , 79 , 78 , 77 , 76 , 75 , 74 , 73 , 72 , 71 , 70 , 69 , 68 , 67 , 66 , 65 , 64 , 63 , 62 , 61 , 60
general
5 most important position battles for Cowboys heading into training camp
The Dallas Cowboys don’t report to Oxnard, California until the end of July, but already anticipation about what this team could possibly accomplish in 2026 is stirring some excitement around Cowboys Nation. While it’s difficult not to jump on the hype train, a lot still needs to be settled before we can consider crowning them Super Bowl contenders. The good news is the Cowboys are returning all of their starters on the offensive side of the ball from a season ago. They should once again be one of the best scoring units in the league. The biggest mystery right now is how this new-look 3-4 defense under Christian Parker will play. Unfortunately, we’re in a wait-and-see situation right now. There are several position battles that have yet to be settled, and until that happens we really have no idea how good or bad this team will potentially be this year. Some warts can be covered up more than others, but we all know certain positions carry more weight in the NFL. With that in mind, we decided to share what position battles we will be monitoring closely once training camp gets underway when things finally kick off later this month. In order to help keep Dak Prescott upright, the Cowboys absolutely need to either Tyler Guyton or Nate Thomas to prove themselves worthy of the starting left tackle job. Guyton is the favored of the two, but inconsistencies and injuries have so far stunted his development. Thomas is probably option No. 2, but he too must prove himself. If neither of those two step up, All-Pro LG Tyler Smith may need to be kicked outside, further shuffling and weakening Dallas’ offensive line. The Cowboys offense is in good hands as long as Dak Prescott remains healthy for the entire year, but could be in trouble if he doesn’t. Both Joe Milton and Sam Howell bring something different to the QB2 position battle, but if either is needed to start for any amount of time the drop in production could be substantial. Howell is the more proven of the two with starting experience, but Milton has the most upside. Will either separate from the other? Both will be given the opportunity to do so in training camp. With a new long-term extension after surpassing all expectations last year, Javonte Williams will be Dallas’ workhorse RB for the foreseeable future. His physical running style though caused him to wear down a bit at the end of last year, making the RB2 position all the more important behind him. Whether it’s Jaydon Blue , Phil Mafah or someone else, the Cowboys need someone capable of giving him a breather from time to time to keep him fresh for the entire season. No rock should go unturned to find the best backup. Who ends up starting at MLB and wearing the green dot is probably the biggest question mark for the Cowboys defense heading into training camp. Right now DeMarvion Overshown seems to be the favored option, but he’s had two separate season-ending knee injuries and missed 32 games in three years. Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham are in the mix as well, but so far things remain unsettled. All in-house and outside options should be thoroughly vetted in order to find the best solution possible. The cornerback position heading into training camp for the Cowboys might just be the most mysterious and unsettled one on the entire roster. No one can say with any kind of certainty how the depth chart will fill out right now. Caleb Downs (nickel) might be the closest thing to being a surefire starter, although if healthy DaRon Bland will surely be one. too. Everyone else seems to be up in the air due to injury concerns, lack of consistency or being new to the franchise. Watching how things fall in place makes the CB position battle one worth monitoring closely
general
Cowboys success in 2026 hinges on the health of a handful of players
The Dallas Cowboys are talented heading into the 2026 season, but injuries to key players like Dak Prescott, Chuma Edoga, and Tyler Smith could derail their Super Bowl aspirations. The health of these individuals will be crucial for the team's offensive and overall success
general
Cowboys news: Predicted roster cuts for the Dallas 2026 roster
The Dallas Cowboys are making roster predictions for their 2026 season, with key decisions looming at wide receiver, tight end, and along the offensive line. While CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson are expected to retain their spots, notable cuts like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Luke Schoonmaker are anticipated. Sam Howell is favored for the backup quarterback role over Joe Milton, and Phil Mafah is projected to edge out Malik Davis at running back. Defensive players Reddy Steward and Trikweze Bridges face uncertain futures despite significant playing time last season
general
Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: QB Sam Howell
Sam Howell doesn’t have tons of NFL experience, but he plenty more than any other Cowboys backup quarterback’s had in a while. Even a month before training camp, Howell already feels like he’s here to fill a specific job regardless of the competition. Years in NFL: 4 Acquired by: Free agency (2026) Despite a historic run at North Carolina, setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns, Howell was still a mid-range prospect in the 2022 draft class. An athletic scrambler with poor throwing mechanics and questionable decision making, he lasted until until the Commanders took him in the fifth round. Howell was the third-stringer behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke . He did get a start in Washington’s regular-season finale, playing solidly as the Commanders stunned Dallas . 2023 was Washington’s first season after Dan Snyder’s ousting as owner, leaving the franchise in a state of flux. Ron Rivera stayed on as head coach, in what would end up being his last year, and Eric Bieniemy was brought in to run the offense. Moving into rebuild mode, they did not re-sign Heinicke and released Wentz. Jacoby Brissett was signed as a relatively inexpensive veteran to start, but Howell wound up beating Brissett for the job that summer. Howell started all 17 games that year. The first two went well, both Commanders wins with Howell playing solidly. But Week 3 was a disastrous 37-3 blowout loss to Buffalo in which Howell threw for picks and was sacked nine times. That game was far more indicative of the remaining season: Washington finished 4-13 and Howell wound up with just a 78.9 passer rating, throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns. The following March, Howell was traded to the Seahawks to be Geno Smith ’s backup. He only played a few snaps in one December game. In 2025, the Vikings traded for him to compete for their backup job. Near the end of August, the Eagles sent comparable picks to Minnesota to get him. Howell spent all of last year behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee , never appearing in a game. With his rookie deal expired this March, Howell finally had some control over his future. He quickly signed a deal with Dallas in the first week of free agency. Years Left: 1 2026 Cap Hit: $2.5 million The most important detail in Howell’s contract is that it’s fully guaranteed. While $2.5 million isn’t too much for the Cowboys to eat, shoud they choose to, it does speak to their confidence in Howell making the roster this season. Role: Backup QB Roster Chance: 80% Howell’s 18 career starts, and none of them since 2023, aren’t exactly a wealth of experience. But considering they’re 18 more than Joe Milton ’s had, that experience feels like the entire reason Howell is here and got the guaranteed money. Even if Milton has a sensational camp and wins the backup job, Howell brings something that will help Dak Prescott prepare for games and elevate practices. Remember, Will Grier was beloved but hadn’t played a real game since 2019. And for as long as Cooper Rush hung around, he’d only had five career starts before the eight games in 2024. When Rush left for Baltimore last year, Dallas may have realized something was lacking in its inexperienced QB depth chart. Coincidentally, Andy Dalton (2020) was the last backup QB to have more experience than Howell. Still just 25, and having bounced around the NFL for the last few years, Howell may still have room to improve. It’s interesting that his last stop was Philadelphia , where he spent practices throwing against Christian Parker’s secondary. We don’t know if Dallas’ new defensive coordinator had a hand in signing Howell, but you’d assume they at least asked his opinion. The Cowboys, including Brian Schottenheimer, certainly knew him from his time in Washington as well. Again, Sam Howell’s guaranteed money isn’t enough to fully guarantee a roster spot. But it certainly works in his favor, as do Joe Milton’s mixed results in limited playing time. Both backup candidates will [... truncated ...]
general
Fantasy Football Sleepers, Busts & Predictions: 2026 Arizona Cardinals
In NFL history, every team has had every win total in a season between 4 and 12, with three exceptions: The Panthers have never had 9 wins in a season The Panthers have never had 10 wins in a season (give them a break, they’ve only existed since 1995) The Cardinals have never had 12 wins in a season The Arizona Cardinals , the oldest professional football team in the country and one of only two original NFL teams, have never had a 12-win season. They did win 13 in 2015, but other than that one aberration, the team has capped out at 11 wins in a season. In other words, this is by some measure the least elite team in NFL history. Does “Oh, the Cardinals weren’t great in the 1970s” really matter to their 2026 fortunes? Nah. But it’s a heck of an interesting tidbit for such an old team to almost never break through as one of the best. Oh, and it doesn’t really look like they’ll get there in 2026 either. Three years ago, I predicted Sam Howell would be a relevant fantasy quarterback because the only person he had to compete with in Washington was Jacoby Brissett , and while Jacoby Brissett is all well and good, he was never going to be a part of a future good Washington team, so it made sense for the Commanders to give Howell every chance he could get to sink or swim without worrying about Brissett any more than they had to. Howell finished as the fantasy QB12. It’s not the exact same with Beck in Arizona — Howell was in his second NFL season and had played one game as a rookie and looked fantasy-competent, and he had more rushing upside than we’ve seen from Beck. On the other hand, Howell was a fifth-round pick and Beck went in the third round. The Cardinals aren’t ready to compete yet. That would be true in any division, but it’s especially true when they’re sharing space with the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers. Brissett is 33, and while he had a very good year last year, it was very clearly out of line with his career trend. He’s (understandably) pushing to get paid like a starter, but the Cardinals are (understandably) reluctant to do that. Is there a path to them just seeing what Beck can offer? I’m not calling it likely, but it’s definitely on the table, and with the weapons he’d have in Arizona, he’d be an interesting free pickup. The problem in this year’s NFL Draft is that there were a fair number of exciting prospects, and almost to a man they landed in spots that weren’t very appealing. Carnell Tate doesn’t get a good offense in Tennessee , Jordyn Tyson has to compete with Chris Olave , Makai Lemon is the No. 4-ish weapon in a run-first offense, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are Browns, etc. The non-first-round running backs mostly came in behind guys who are pretty known quantities (are Kaelon Black, Mike Wahsington Jr. or Adam Randall going to get time over Christian McCaffrey , Ashton Jeanty or Derrick Henry?). Jadarian Price’s landing spot in Seattle was pretty appealing, but that’s about it. And then there’s Love. He’s an elite talent, but he’s in a backfield that already has (for now at least) James Conner , Trey Benson and offseason signee Tyler Allgeier . It’s a lower-third offensive line and a bad defense. No matter who the quarterback is in Arizona, he’s not going to be much of a rushing threat to distract defenses. So we have Love likely not getting bell cow work (he’ll be the RB1, but the others aren’t going to disappear) and very possibly not the goal-line touches over Allgeier. It’s a team that is going to be in pass scripts very often. And you’re taking him as a borderline RB1? I smell disappointment coming. There are, for my money, three candidates to pick first overall next year: Arizona, Cleveland and Miami . I don’t think that’s a very out-there take, but it’s true nonetheless. Well, by most measures, the Dolphins and Cardinals have two of the three or four hardest schedules in the league in 2026, while the Browns have maybe the easiest. And that’s just the full season. Early success or failure can [... truncated ...]
QB · DAL
transaction
Waiver: Sam Howell added, Johnny Wilson dropped
sleeper-tx-waiver+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Sam Howell. Drops: Johnny Wilson
QB · DAL
transaction
FA: Sam Howell dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Sam Howell
QB · DAL
QB · DAL
analyst
Joe Milton III, Sam Howell to get equal reps to be Cowboys QB2
sleeper-fantasy_prosSource ↗
Joe Milton III and Sam Howell are set to split second-string quarterback reps for the Cowboys as they compete for the backup role behind Dak Prescott
general
Cowboys QB2 battle heats up, coach hypes 'fun competition' behind Dak Prescott
Last season, Joe Milton was the Dallas Cowboys ' clear-cut backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott . This season, Milton is in what coach Brian Schottenheimer has classified as a "fun competition" with free-agent signee Sam Howell for the backup role. Schottenheimer was asked about the performance of Milton and Howell during a June 9 media availability . The 52-year-old coach bemoaned that the team was working largely on 7-on-7 drills rather than "real football," but noted he was nonetheless happy with what he had seen in the backup quarterback battle. "They're both doing good," Schottenheimer said of Milton and Howell. "We're rotating them evenly. The first was week Joe getting most of the twos and Sam mixing in, and this week, it's the other way around. But it's going to be a fun competition and I love how they're pushing each other to be great." OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) Schottenheimer made it clear the open competition wasn't necessarily a knock on Milton's performance in the backup role last season. It simply represented an opportunity to improve upon the team's overall depth behind Prescott. "We're always trying to raise the level and improve the room any chance we get," Schottenheimer explained. "We've been very fortunate here having some really great young men that are competitors filling those spots, but you're always looking to build as much depth as you can." Schottenheimer also noted that adding Howell – an experienced NFL starter – was a "crazy" opportunity for the Cowboys. "Sam Howell has more starts than Cooper Rush , which is because he started the one year at Washington," Schottenheimer said. "He's been exposed to a lot. Been in a lot of different systems, which I think is great for us." Howell has made 18 starts during his four-year NFL career to date, all coming for Washington. The 2022 fifth-round pick logged a 5-13 record in those 18 contests and has completed 62.6% of his career passes for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions while posting a 77.5 passer rating. Milton isn't as experienced, having never officially started an NFL game, but has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 90.4 passer rating in his limited playing time. Milton also has the advantage of returning for a second year in Schottenheimer's offense. He spent his rookie 2024 season with the New England Patriots but was in Dallas all of 2025 after being acquired via trade. By comparison, the Cowboys will be the fifth team Howell has played for over the last three seasons. He hasn't made a start since 2023 with the Commanders and has attempted just 14 passes over the last two seasons. The Cowboys are currently one of nine teams with three or fewer quarterbacks. Here's a full look at the depth chart amid their backup quarterback competition. 1. Dak Prescott T-2. Sam Howell T-2. Joe Milton It isn't clear whether the Cowboys will add a fourth quarterback to their 90-man roster ahead of training camp and the preseason or if Dallas will be content to let Howell and Milton handle the bulk of the reps as they decide who will be Prescott's top backup. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Schottenheimer calls Cowboys backup QB battle 'fun competition'
QB · DAL
outlook
2026 Season Outlook
sleeper-outlook+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Howell spent last season as a reserve with the Eagles but didn't log a single regular-season appearance, and in 2026 he projects to compete with Joe Milton for the No. 2 job behind Dak Prescott after having inked a one-year deal with the Cowboys. The last time Howell saw game action was as a backup with the Seahawks in 2024, when he logged 14 pass attempts across two appearances
general
Dallas Cowboys offseason grade: Dallas beefs up its defense
The Dallas Cowboys have made significant upgrades to their defense in the offseason, adding players like Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary, and Otito Ogbonnia
general
Vikings and Ravens will practice together in August
The Vikings will only have one home preseason game this summer, but they'll get more than one day of work against their opponents that week. The team announced that they will have two days of joint practices with the Ravens . They are set to work with the AFC North team on August 19 and 20 with the preseason game between the teams scheduled for August 22. Joint practices have been a regular occurrence during Vikings' camp in recent years. They have also worked with the Patriots, Browns , Titans, and Cardinals in recent seasons. The Vikings will visit the Giants and Broncos in their first and third preseason games this summer. The Ravens will be hosting the Eagles and Commanders
general
Way too early Cowboys 53-man roster prediction (offense)
With the 2026 NFL schedule newly released, what better time to release a way too early 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys. We will break this series up into two parts. First, we will start with the offense. Unlike the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the names projected to make the Cowboys 53-man roster are very familiar names. Let’s take a deep dive into an early projection on what the Cowboys offense could look like in 2026. One of the few positions that could look a little different in 2026 is the quarterback position. While Dak Prescott is cemented into the starting job for his 11th season, what the depth chart looks like behind him could be one of the top story lines on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. As of today, Joe Milton is predicted as the only other quarterback on the roster and the QB2 behind Prescott. Despite his disappointing play in limited regular season reps last season, Milton still has the traits you want to develop in a backup quarterback. The Cowboys signed veteran Sam Howell to a one-year, $2.5-million dollar deal this offseason to provide Milton with some tough offseason competition. This offseason will be huge on deciding who the QB2 will be in Dallas, but as of today, we are sticking with the younger and higher upside option. The running back position in 2026 will feature all familiar faces. While Javonte Williams will return as the Cowboys RB1 (something he did not have at this time last year), how things play out behind him will be a story line this offseason. Despite impressing last season in limited work, Malik Davis is likely a guy to land on the practice squad as of today. The Cowboys have had high hopes for Phil Mafah, and after stashing him on IR for most of the 2025 season, they will likely want Mafah to earn his way onto the roster this offseason during training camp and preseason games. The same can be said for second-year back Jaydon Blue. Blue was projected to play a much larger role in his rookie season, but maturity concerns led him to the inactive list more often than naught last season. Blue is the one running back on this roster that can truly scare defenses with his explosiveness, that alone will likely give him another shot at breaking camp on the Cowboys 53-man roster. Wide receiver is another position on offense that could see some change from 2025 to 2026. While the top four are likely a lock, whether the Cowboys decide to carry five or six wide receivers could depend on how things play out this offseason. For now, we have the Cowboys carrying five receivers, and that final spot will be very competitive. Second-year wideout Traeshon Holden spent his first season on the practice squad after impressing in the 2025 season and making a case for a roster spot. Holden will have to have another big offseason to beat out veterans Jonathan Mingo , Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Tyler Johnson, and 2026 seventh-round pick Anthony Smith. The tight end position will in all likely hood look very similar to how it did last year, with the addition of UDFA Michael Trigg out of Baylor. Despite his struggles, Luke Schoonmaker still has sponsors in the room in Lunda Wells and Brian Schottenheimer, so he will more than likely be back in 2026. Trigg is the most interesting conversation. Based solely on his tape, he was a draftable prospect in this year’s draft, but maturity concerns and multiple incidents at Ole Miss and Baylor had him fall out of the draft. Trigg is dynamic receiving weapon and could provide the Cowboys with more explosive plays from the tight end position that was lacking from the offense in 2025. Similar to tight end and wide receiver, the offensive line in Dallas will look eerily familiar in 2026. The only spot for change is the 10th spot in which free agent addition Matt Hennessy will battle things out with Trevor Keegan . The coaching staff seemed to be high on Keegan after adding him off of waivers last year, but Hennessy’s 24 starts mak [... truncated ...]
general
2026 NFL Schedule Release: International, holiday games you'll need to know to help set your fantasy football lineups
The 2026 NFL schedule release includes several international games and holiday matchups that will impact fantasy football lineups. Notable international games include Rams vs. 49ers in Australia (Week 1), Ravens vs. Cowboys in Brazil (Week 3), and multiple games in London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City across Weeks 4-11. The international games present time zone challenges and require fantasy managers to adjust their lineup setting strategies
general
Report: George Pickens not present for Cowboys' voluntary offseason work
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens signed his franchise tag on April 29, and executive vice president Stephen Jones said soon after the team expected Pickens to show up for voluntary work. Monday was the first team workout for the Cowboys since Pickens signed the one-year, $27.3 million deal, and Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Pickens was not present. Nothing is mandatory until June 16, so he can stay away until then without being fined. The Cowboys announced they will not negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens this offseason, and Jones has repeatedly said the team has “zero interest” in trading Pickens. The Cowboys traded for Pickens a year ago, and he led the team in targets (137), catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (eight) in 2025
QB · DAL
transaction
FA: Sam Howell dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Sam Howell
general
Brian Schottenheimer on the rookies: "None of these guys are in great shape right now"
Rookie minicamp struggles under Schottenheimer's watch, but current starters unaffected
general
Brian Schottenheimer: No plan to discuss decision to accept franchise tender with George Pickens
The unexpected decision of Cowboys receiver George Pickens to accept his franchise tender has sparked plenty of speculation
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.