As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for training camp starting July 20, 2025, the quarterback room is under intense scrutiny. With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the battle for the backup role has taken center stage. The Cowboys’ decision to trade for Joe Milton from the New England Patriots, while allowing Cooper Rush and Trey Lance to depart in free agency, signals a bold shift in strategy. However, the harshest reality lies in the potential release of Will Grier, a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, who has been a familiar face in Dallas. This move underscores the team’s prioritization of upside and roster flexibility over experience, a decision that carries both risks and rewards.
A New Direction for the Quarterback Room
The Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart in 2025 looks drastically different from previous seasons. After letting Cooper Rush, a reliable backup, and Trey Lance, a former high draft pick, walk in free agency, Dallas opted not to draft a quarterback. Instead, they traded a fifth-round pick to acquire Joe Milton, a strong-armed signal-caller with immense potential. This move, coupled with the prediction from The Athletic’s Jon Machota that the Cowboys will only keep two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, puts Grier’s future with the team in jeopardy.
Machota’s June 26, 2025, roster projection bluntly states, “There’s no reason to keep more than two with all of the other areas on the roster that are going to be tight. Dak Prescott is the obvious franchise quarterback and Joe Milton III is the obvious backup.” The decision to favor Milton over Grier is driven by the former’s higher ceiling, despite Grier’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ system and his flashes of potential in limited action.
Why Milton is the Favorite for QB2
Joe Milton’s appeal lies in his raw talent. Described by DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker as possessing “a cannon of an arm” and “escapability,” Milton brings a dynamic skill set that aligns with the modern NFL’s emphasis on athleticism and playmaking. His acquisition via trade indicates the front office’s confidence in his ability to develop into a reliable backup, and potentially more, behind Prescott. The Cowboys’ willingness to part with draft capital suggests they view Milton as a long-term investment, especially given Prescott’s injury history.
Prescott, who suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in 2024, has only played a full 17-game season once in the last five years. This reality amplifies the importance of the QB2 role. Milton’s physical tools—arm strength, mobility, and confidence—make him an intriguing fit for a team looking to protect its starter while grooming a high-upside backup.
The Case for Will Grier
Will Grier, on the other hand, represents the safer, more familiar option. A third-round pick by the Panthers in 2019, Grier has spent time with the Cowboys, learning the nuances of their offensive scheme under coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. His performance in the 2023 preseason showcased his ability to challenge NFL defenses when given the opportunity. Walker noted that Grier is “slippery” and, when “emotionally charged,” can deliver in high-pressure situations.
Despite these strengths, Grier’s lack of elite physical traits compared to Milton puts him at a disadvantage. The Cowboys’ roster constraints, as Machota highlighted, mean that keeping three quarterbacks is unlikely when other positions demand depth. Grier’s experience and system knowledge may not outweigh the potential Dallas sees in Milton, who could develop into a trade asset or long-term backup.
The Harsh Reality of Roster Cuts
The decision to potentially cut Grier reflects the harsh realities of NFL roster management. With only 53 spots available, teams must make tough choices, especially when balancing immediate needs with future potential. Grier’s release would not necessarily spell the end of his time with Dallas—he could be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers—but it carries risks. Another team could claim the veteran quarterback, leaving the Cowboys without a seasoned fallback option.
This move also highlights the Cowboys’ confidence in Prescott’s recovery and Milton’s readiness. While Prescott appears to be back to full health, his injury history underscores the need for a dependable backup. If Milton struggles in training camp or fails to adapt quickly to the Cowboys’ system, the decision to part ways with Grier could backfire.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The upcoming training camp battle between Milton and Grier will be a defining storyline for Dallas. Milton’s arm talent and athleticism give him the edge, but Grier’s experience and familiarity could make the competition closer than expected. If the Cowboys stick to Machota’s prediction of carrying only two quarterbacks, Grier’s release would signal a clear prioritization of potential over proven reliability.
For Cowboys fans, the harsh truth is that tough decisions like this are part of building a competitive roster. Letting go of a capable quarterback like Grier in favor of a high-upside player like Milton reflects the team’s willingness to take risks in pursuit of long-term success. As training camp kicks off, all eyes will be on Milton to prove he can live up to the hype—and on Grier to fight for his spot in Dallas.