Cowboys Predicted to Cut Ties With QB After 1 Season

July 23, 2026 - 19:10

The Dallas Cowboys appear headed for a quarterback competition this summer, but not for the starting job. With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, the real battle will be for the backup role between Joe Milton and Sam Howell. That scenario, however, could spell the end for another signal-caller on the roster.

According to recent analysis, the Cowboys are predicted to cut ties with quarterback Trey Lance after only one season with the team. Lance, a former first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers, was acquired by Dallas in a trade last year. The hope was that a change of scenery and time behind Prescott would help him develop. But with the arrival of Milton and the presence of Howell, the roster math no longer favors Lance.

Lance has struggled to find consistent playing time and has not shown enough in practice or preseason action to lock down a spot. The Cowboys front office values roster flexibility, and carrying four quarterbacks is not a realistic option. With Prescott's contract taking up significant cap space, the team needs cheap, reliable depth.

Milton, a rookie with a strong arm, and Howell, who has starting experience in Washington, offer more immediate upside or a higher floor. Lance, meanwhile, remains a project who has started only four games in three seasons. Unless he shows dramatic improvement in training camp, the Cowboys are expected to move on and give his roster spot to a player who can contribute on special teams or at another position. For Lance, it would mark another disappointing chapter in a career that has yet to find its footing.