March 10, 2026, 10:35 p.m. ET
Remember when Ron Rivera staked his reputation on the fact that Sam Howell was the Washington Commanders‘ quarterback of the future in 2023? Despite entering a make-or-break year, knowing his job was on the line with a new owner, and a roster not equipped to help a young quarterback, Rivera turned the reins over to the 2022 fifth-round pick.
On Tuesday, Howell agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal for 2026. Dallas will be Howell’s fifth NFL team in five seasons.
Howell’s tenure in Washington featured positives. In the first half of the season, there were times when Howell looked like the guy. Unfortunately, those moments were few and far between, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was determined to lead the NFL in pass attempts, ignoring the running game and Howell’s play faltered badly. He struggled in every phase, especially with pressure.
Ahead of the 2024 season, new Washington GM Adam Peters traded Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. While initially excited to land Howell as Geno Smith’s backup, the Seahawks were determined to move on from him after only one season. Howell still had one year remaining on his rookie deal. After the 2024 season, the Seahawks traded Howell to the Minnesota Vikings. He never made it to the regular season before Minnesota traded Howell again, this time to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent all of 2025.
Howell served as the Eagles’ third-string quarterback and did not appear in one game.
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Now, Howell will play for his third NFC East team. Howell is expected to compete to be Dak Prescott’s backup in 2026.