While Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback Dak Prescott remains embroiled in controversy surrounding his surprising breakup with ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos, his team is strengthening the bench behind him.
The Cowboys signed former Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Sam Howell, seemingly to play the same role in Dallas. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news.
Howell, 25, is a former fifth-round NFL Draft pick who has spent most of his career as a backup. He played for the Eagles in 2025 but did not appear in any games. The University of North Carolina alum will join Joe Milton III as backups to Prescott, 32.
Prescott, who has played his entire 10-year career with the Cowboys, made headlines on Monday, March 9, when TMZ reported that he and Ramos had notified the expected guests at their April wedding that the ceremony had been called off.
“It is with heavy hearts that we privately inform our attendees that we have made the very difficult decision to cancel our wedding,” the email to their guests read. “We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and we welcome your prayers.”
A day later, a representative for Ramos told People that the decision to cancel their nuptials was “mutual.”
“There wasn’t any rockiness in the lead up, and there was no big argument or blow up,” the rep said. “They love their girls, and they’re committed to raising their children together in the most loving and positive way. It’s still shocking for them since this happened so recently, and they ask for privacy while they sort everything out.”
Prescott and Ramos were first linked in 2023 and share daughters Margaret Jane “MJ” Rose, 2, and Aurora Rayne, 9 months.
As for Howell, he has played in only two games since 2024, but may be best known for his close friendship with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, also a former Tar Heel.
“[I’m] extremely proud of him,” Howell told the Philadelphia Inquirer before the Patriots played in Super Bowl LX. “He’s worked his whole life to be where he is and he’s getting what he deserves. He was made for the big moments and I have no doubt he’ll be ready to go.”
Howell added, “When he was backing me up at Carolina, he was really good at making me feel very confident going into games. And just trying to give me that last sense of peace.
The Patriots ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, which Howell was sure to attend in San Francisco.
