(Editor's note: The content provided is based on opinions and/or perspective of the DallasCowboys.com editorial staff and not the Cowboys football staff or organization.)
FRISCO, Texas – With the 2025 regular season now behind the Cowboys, it's time to look ahead to 2026, where they'll try to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
As they begin to do so, our "What's Next" series will examine each position on the roster and look at the past, present and future of the room and the players within it.
We'll kick off our series with the quarterbacks:
Past: It's been 10 seasons since Dak Prescott became the Cowboys' starter in a magical rookie season in 2016. Since then, he's gone on to lead the franchise in passing yards, completion percentage and passer rating, is second in passing touchdowns and third in total wins.
That's not too shabby, especially with a 83-55-1 record as a starter in tow behind him, 37-10 against the NFC East, and four Pro Bowls with the most recent coming last season.
Most important for Prescott this past season? Staying healthy and playing all 17 games. After suffering a hamstring injury in 2024 that held him out the back half of the year, it was a point of emphasis for Prescott to start all 17, which he did for the second time in three years.
Already, Prescott has put himself in the upper echelon of the franchise's rich history at the quarterback position with Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach and the like. What his two legendary predecessors have that he doesn't is a Super Bowl, something that Prescott and the entire organization are continuing to chase.
Present: The Cowboys couldn't ask for a much better spot to be in with their starting quarterback. First and foremost, Prescott finished a season fully healthy, which is the most important aspect of the position room given the injuries he's dealt with since 2020.
Secondly, Dallas' offensive success in 2025 was largely in credit to one of the best seasons of Prescott's career. He finished with the second-most passing yards in a season in his career (4,552) and led the league in completions (404).
Add that to the weapons that Prescott had around him in 2025, namely CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and things are looking bright for the offense. That is, of course, if Dallas finds a way to keep Pickens in town next season as he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the coming months.
Should the Cowboys keep Pickens around and stay steady on the offensive line and running back room, Prescott's level of play appears to be some of the best of his career, and the offense has a real chance to be among the best in the league once again in 2026 with Prescott at the helm.
Future: Prescott is the sure-first starting quarterback for the Cowboys. As things stand right now, Joe Milton is the only other quarterback on the roster, as Will Grier was not signed to a reserve/futures deal.
That doesn't mean Grier can't return, just that he hasn't yet. For now, Milton will remain Prescott's backup, and it appears to be trending that way for a second season.
The Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Milton and a seventh-round pick before the 2025 season started. He played in four games for the Cowboys, completing 15 of his 24 passes for 183 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Milton, who will be heading into just his third season in 2026, had his fair share of ups and downs when receiving action in 2025. That said, his arm talent is almost unheard of, and he has all the physical tools to play the position in the NFL. Now, it's just about putting the rest of the pieces together. The question will be, as it is with all backup quarterbacks, can they do it, and if so how quickly? That'll be the most important thing to monitor.
Should Grier not return, it would be interesting to see who the Cowboys would pursue in the free agency market. They would likely look for a veteran at the position, but would they be required to carry three QBs on the active roster or could they find someone willing to be on the practice squad? All questions the Cowboys will have to ask, but can do so with some comfort knowing that their starter, when he's playing at a high level, is among the best at the position in the league.
