Over the past few seasons, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback room has been a model of stability in the NFL. Dak Prescott was operating at peak levels, Cooper Rush was a stable veteran backup, and Trey Lance was the mostly unknown wild card and third wheel.
After letting Rush leave in free agency, the Cowboys suddenly had a vacancy at QB2. To make matters worse, Prescott was coming off a season in which he was both significantly injured and poor in performance. For the first time in years the QB room had concerns.
Cowboys’ strength at QB: Dak Prescott
It’s important to keep in mind, Prescott is just one year removed from an MVP runner-up season. And based on the stats that usually signal MVP, Prescott actually should have been the winner that season (but we’re not bitter). Prescott’s game is predicated on downfield reads, well-timed releases, and rock-solid accuracy. These traits typically age well so even if Prescott’s athletic prowess takes another step back here in his 10th season, he should still perform well as a passer.
Prescott may not have a complementary running game to keep defenses on tilt, but he has a couple nifty weapons in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and a new play-caller in Brian Schottenheimer who’s determined to make things easy for his star QB.
Cowboys’ weakness at QB: Durability
One of the main discussions of the offseason has centered around Prescott’s sudden fragility. He’s missed at least five games in three of the last five seasons. That’s the type of attendance record that can spell disaster for a team with postseason hopes.
No longer on the roster is Rush, the trusty backup. It will be up to the seldom seen Will Grier or the often-erratic Joe Milton to save the Cowboys season should Prescott fall again. Working against the health and safety of the position is the highly suspect offensive tackle situation and potentially problematic running game.
Joe Milton is balling in his debut! 48-yard TD pass to Boutte!
📺: #BUFvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909gepic.twitter.com/u2W48Voqvr— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Cowboys’ wildcard at QB: Joe Milton
Milton is the kind of QB that can get a coach fired or get a coach enshrined. The supremely talented 25-year-old has the kind of potential that inspires dreams. He also has the consistency that causes nightmares, needing snaps and proper tutelage.
The number of outcomes Milton offers is as wide ranging as Baskin Robbins. He could be next great steal the Cowboys stumble into or he could be just another prospect who never reached his potential. He just might be the most interesting thing to watch in camp this summer.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Strengths, weaknesses and wildcards at Cowboys QB position in 2025