The Dallas Cowboys are adding a new face at the quarterback position for the 2026 season.
While the Cowboys have mainly focused on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, they made a surprising move by agreeing to a one-year deal with Sam Howell. The quarterback is no stranger to the NFC East.
Here are five things to know about Howell:
1. The basics
Position: Quarterback
Birthday: Sept. 16, 2000 (25 years old)
College: North Carolina
Hometown: Waynesville, N.C.
Height: 6-1 Weight: 220 pounds
2. Has a history in the NFC East
Howell is already a well-traveled NFL quarterback. The Cowboys will be the third NFC East team he suits up for. He originally started his professional career in Washington, as he was drafted by the Commanders in the fifth round of 2022 NFL draft.
He later found himself in Philadelphia, where he spent the 2025 campaign. He has also made stops in Seattle and Minnesota.
3. He played a role in a record-breaking play for the Cowboys
Howell’s stint with the Commanders wasn’t exactly a smooth one. He started 17 games for Washington in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
On Thanksgiving Day of 2023, Howell found himself on the wrong side of a record-breaking play. With Washington trailing Dallas 38-10 in the fourth quarter, one of the quarterback’s passes made its way to cornerback DaRon Bland. Bland quickly glided past Howell and into the end zone for a 63-yard touchdown return, recording his fifth pick-six of the campaign.
Here’s a look at the play:
4. He holds several records in North Carolina’s record books
Howell made his mark at the collegiate level, stamping his name in several spots on North Carolina’s record books.
Howell is the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (10,283), total offensive yards (11,292) and passing touchdowns (92). He’s followed closely in several categories by New England quarterback Drake Maye.
5. A Texas legend has great things to say about him
Howell played for Mack Brown at North Carolina from 2019-21. The former Texas head coach has shared praise for Howell on multiple occasions. In 2022, Brown said Howell reminded him of a former Longhorn standout.
“I think he’s a lot like Colt McCoy more than anything,”Brown said. “But the accuracy, wow. And Colt McCoy had those same qualities coming out.”
Brown and Howell reconnected in February, according to a social media post from the former head coach.