Cowboys and Jets Could Strike Backup QB Trade Before Deadline
The New York Jets may seek a more experienced backup quarterback behind Geno Smith, and the Dallas Cowboys have two options in Sam Howell and Joe Milton. The Cowboys are undecided on which to keep, and a trade could benefit both teams.
The Cowboys' quarterback competition behind Dak Prescott has been closely monitored throughout training camp, with Sam Howell outperforming Joe Milton in the final preseason game while Milton impressed earlier in the exhibition slate. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly described the battle as "neck and neck," and owner Jerry Jones has left open the possibility of carrying both signal-callers on the final roster.
Howell brings 18 career NFL starts, though his track record suggests he is a reliable backup rather than a future starter. Milton, by contrast, offers untapped potential that could appeal to a rebuilding Jets team. According to reports, Milton's trade value could range from a fourth to a fifth-round pick, making him a viable asset for Dallas to move before the cutdown deadline.
This trade scenario could reshape quarterback depth charts for both franchises, with the Jets potentially gaining a developmental passer who might eventually compete for a starting role, while the Cowboys could secure draft capital to bolster other positions. Fans of both teams may see roster decisions influenced by this move, and the outcome could signal how each front office prioritizes immediate competitiveness versus long-term planning. The broader league could also watch this as a benchmark for backup quarterback valuations ahead of final roster cuts.