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Cowboys Sign Veteran QB Troy Williams

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 10:57 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Texas, Florida, Washington, UNITED STATES

Frisco, TX - February 3rd, 2026 - The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their quarterback depth by signing veteran Troy Williams, according to an announcement made earlier today. The move addresses a need created by Cooper Rush's departure during the recent free agency period and sets the stage for a competitive training camp battle between Williams and 2024 draft pick, Joe Milton, for the coveted backup role behind established starter Dak Prescott.

Williams, 29, brings a wealth of experience despite having bounced around the league. Having spent time with five different NFL franchises - the Chargers, Giants, Cardinals, Saints, and Titans - he's a familiar face to coaches and players. While he hasn't secured a long-term starting position, Williams has appeared in 19 games, showcasing a career completion percentage of 65.7% for 838 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. This experience is precisely what the Cowboys are looking for in a backup - someone who can step in and manage a game if Prescott were to be sidelined.

The signing wasn't a surprise, given the Cowboys' exploration of several free-agent options in recent weeks, including McLeod Bethel-Davis and Chase Daniel. Ultimately, the team opted for Williams, seemingly valuing his proven, albeit limited, NFL experience over other available veterans. The team's decision signals a desire for stability and a safe pair of hands behind Prescott, a player who, despite consistently strong performances, has faced injury concerns throughout his career. Prescott's contract, currently valued at [referencing https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/dak-prescott-contract-cowboys/], demonstrates the Cowboys' commitment to their franchise quarterback, further emphasizing the importance of having a reliable backup.

Joe Milton, the Cowboys' sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, represents the future at the position. While raw and still developing, Milton possesses a strong arm and intriguing athleticism. His draft profile [referencing https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/joe-milton-draft-profile/] highlighted his potential, but also acknowledged the need for significant coaching and refinement. The addition of Williams isn't meant to stifle Milton's development, but rather to accelerate it. A veteran presence will provide mentorship, guidance, and a benchmark for Milton to strive towards.

"We believe Troy will be a great asset to the quarterback room," stated Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy in a press conference this afternoon. "He's a professional, a hard worker, and he understands what it takes to be prepared. Joe is a developing player with a lot of upside, and we think having Troy around will help him learn and grow at a faster pace."

Currently, the Cowboys' quarterback roster consists of Prescott, Milton, and now Williams. NFL rules dictate that teams can only carry two quarterbacks on their active roster during the regular season, meaning one will inevitably be released or traded. The competition is expected to be fierce throughout training camp and preseason, with both Williams and Milton vying for the opportunity to serve as Prescott's primary backup.

The Cowboys' approach suggests a shift in philosophy regarding the backup quarterback position. In recent years, they've relied on players like Rush, who had limited NFL experience prior to being thrust into a key role. This year, they are prioritizing experience and stability, recognizing that a capable backup can be crucial to navigating a long and challenging NFL season.

Beyond the on-field competition, the signing of Williams also impacts the team's strategic planning. It allows the Cowboys to avoid rushing Milton into a significant role before he's fully prepared, safeguarding against potential setbacks and preserving his long-term potential. It also gives the team more flexibility in the draft, should they choose to address other positional needs in future drafts rather than investing heavily in another quarterback prospect.

The Cowboys' quarterback room is now set. The real drama, however, will unfold on the practice field as Williams and Milton battle for the right to be Dak Prescott's understudy.