Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton is facing a situation that’s similar to the one fellow former UT quarterback Hendon Hooker faced last summer with the Detroit Lions.

Hooker was cut by the Lions late last summer after Kyle Allen won the backup quarterback job.

Milton, who was traded from the New England Patriots to the Cowboys last year, is basically in the exact same scenario ahead of the 2026 season after Dallas signed quarterback Sam Howell to compete with the former Vol for the backup quarterback job.

Howell has started 18 career games in the NFL. Milton, meanwhile, has one de facto start, which came during his rookie season in 2024 with the Patriots (starter Drake Maye played one series before Milton entered the game).

The Athletic predicts if Joe Milton will make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster

The Athletic’s Jon Machota took a shot this week at predicting who will make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.

For now, Machota feels like Milton has the edge over Howell.

“Joe Milton and Sam Howell will battle for the backup job throughout training camp and the preseason,” wrote Machota. “Either one could win the job. Howell has the experience, having started 18 NFL games, but Milton has the higher upside. It’s hard to believe that the Cowboys would part ways with Milton after trading a fifth-round pick for him a year ago.”

It’s possible the Cowboys could keep three quarterbacks, but isn’t considered likely.

A lot can change during NFL training camp. Injuries, poor performance, and other personnel moves can impact roster decisions. In other words, there’s a long way to go before Dallas whittles its roster down to 53.