With the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp set to kick off on July 20, 2025, the spotlight is on a heated quarterback battle that could reshape the team’s roster. Dak Prescott, the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, has fully recovered from a season-ending hamstring injury in 2024, but the real drama lies behind him. A fierce competition for the backup quarterback role is brewing, and it could spell the end for a former third-round draft pick.
A New Era at Quarterback
The Cowboys’ quarterback room has undergone a dramatic overhaul this offseason. After allowing Cooper Rush and Trey Lance to depart in free agency, Dallas made a bold move by trading a fifth-round pick to acquire Joe Milton from the New England Patriots. Milton, known for his rocket arm and dynamic athleticism, is poised to challenge veteran Will Grier for the coveted QB2 spot.
Grier, selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft (No. 100 overall), brings familiarity with the Cowboys’ system and a gritty, competitive edge. However, insiders are buzzing about Milton’s potential, with many predicting he’ll secure the backup role—and potentially leave Grier out in the cold.
Why Milton Is the Favorite
The Athletic’s Jon Machota, in his June 26, 2025, roster projection, boldly predicted that Dallas will keep only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster: Prescott as the undisputed starter and Milton as his backup. “There’s no reason to keep more than two with all of the other areas on the roster that are going to be tight,” Machota wrote. “Dak Prescott is the obvious franchise quarterback, and Joe Milton III is the obvious backup.”
The Cowboys’ decision to trade draft capital for Milton signals their confidence in his upside. While Grier offers reliability and experience, Milton’s raw talent—highlighted by his cannon arm and ability to escape pressure—has Dallas envisioning a high-ceiling backup who could step in if needed. With Prescott’s injury history looming large (he’s played a full 17-game season only once in the last five years), the backup role carries significant weight.
Grier’s Fight for Survival
Will Grier isn’t going down without a fight. As DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker noted in an April 16 article, Grier’s familiarity with Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer gives him an edge. His “slippery” playstyle and ability to shine under pressure, as seen in his last preseason outing, make him a formidable contender. Yet, the odds appear stacked against him.
If Machota’s prediction holds, Grier could face a stunning fall from grace, potentially being cut from the roster entirely. While Dallas might hope to re-sign him to the practice squad, there’s no guarantee Grier won’t be claimed by another team hungry for a seasoned quarterback.
Why the QB2 Battle Matters
The importance of a reliable backup cannot be overstated, especially given Prescott’s injury concerns. As Walker emphasized, “Milton has a cannon of an arm and lacks neither escapability nor confidence,” while Grier’s experience and emotional fire make him a tough competitor. The training camp showdown between these two quarterbacks will be one of the most closely watched battles, with the winner earning the critical role of Prescott’s understudy.
If Milton emerges victorious, it could mark the end of Grier’s tenure with the Cowboys—a surprising turn for a player once seen as a promising draft pick. As the July 20 start date approaches, all eyes will be on the practice field to see who rises to the challenge and who faces an uncertain future.