After two weeks of Miami Dolphins preseason football, it has become clear that the team has significant depth issues.
Following Miami’s opening drive touchdown led by quarterback Malik Willis and the rest of the starting unit, the Dolphins have been outscored 46-3 in two games.
Fortunately, results don’t matter in preseason football, but it does show what the team needs to work on prior to the season. As a result, one Dolphins analyst has named a potential solution to a current issue that has plagued the Dolphins once Malik Willis’ drive ended.
Miami Dolphins Pushed to Add Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
After Saturday’s loss against the New York Giants, The Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly wrote of things they need before the season: “Miami should be searching for a better backup quarterback, more depth at receiver, tight end and offensive line help.”
Then, Kelly offered a potential solution as he posted on X: “With Joe Milton basically locking up the Cowboys No. 2 QB job that might mean Sam Howell gets released.
He is a vested veteran so he can’t be claimed. But Miami needs a legit No. 2 QB and he has 18 starts.”
As Kelly mentioned, Howell is a veteran with starting experience. Howell would be the quarterback with the most starts on Miami’s roster, including Willis.
Howell was Washington’s starting quarterback for the entire 2023 season. In 17 starts in 2023, Howell threw for 3,946 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His 612 passing attempts led the NFL. The Commanders went 4-13 with Howell as the starter.
After the 2023 season, Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Howell has also had stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles, before signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dolphins Backup Quarterback
Currently, Howell is in a battle for the backup quarterback position with Joe Milton. Milton, who impressed during Dallas’ second preseason game, appears to be the favorite for the position.
The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins predicted the Cowboys to stick with Milton ahead of Howell this season. Watkins wrote in his 53-man roster projection: “There is one more game left in the preseason, and Sam Howell has a chance to make his case. Milton’s performance in the second preseason game (three touchdowns, two passing and one on a QB sneak) was impressive. The Cowboys can bring Howell back to the practice squad, if needed.”
Aside from Howell, Kelly also mentioned alternatives for the Dolphins. He posted on X: “NFL QBs that might be waived the Dolphins should keep their eye on: Taylon Green (Browns), Will Howard (Pittsburgh), Anthony Richardson (but no claiming him), Jalen Milroe (Seattle), Sam Elinger (Denver), Garrett Nussmeier (Chiefs), Cole Payton (Eagles), Kyle McCord (Packers).”
Aside from Willis, Miami’s quarterbacks have struggled in the preseason. Quinn Ewers, who impressed during the 2025 season during his three starts after Tua Tagovailoa was benched, went 1-for-8 with only 27 passing yards during the preseason opener. Additionally, Ewers suffered a groin injury, which has left him with a week-to-week status and kept him out of the team’s game against the New York Giants.
Dolphins Pushed to Add Current Dallas Cowboys Player After Preseason Game