The Dallas Cowboys could enter the 2026 season with more uncertainty at quarterback than expected, at least behind their star field general, Dak Prescott. While the starter remains firmly in place, the backup situation is far from settled, prompting fresh debate ahead of the NFL Draft.
With multiple mid-round picks available, Dallas has the flexibility to explore new options at QB2. One name gaining traction is Miami quarterback Carson Beck, a player with notable production and experience. And according to one ESPN analyst, he may bring something familiar to the Cowboys’ offense.
Analyst Identifies Carson Beck as a Strong QB2 Fit for Dallas
In a recent quarterback mock draft, ESPN’s Ben Solak suggested the Cowboys could target Beck in the fifth round, viewing him as a better stylistic fit compared to their current backup options, while highlighting the lack of clarity behind Prescott.
“The QB2 job is up for grabs in Dallas, with incoming Sam Howell battling incumbent Joe Milton III for the right to back up Dak Prescott,” Solak wrote. “This is not a particularly thrilling QB2 battle. Milton is an inexperienced developmental QB who excites with his highlights but cannot be trusted for reliable play. Howell is a one-time starter who was traded twice last season as the Vikings and Eagles tried him out as a backup before moving on.”
That assessment underscores why Dallas could look beyond its current roster, especially with neither Howell nor Milton offering long-term confidence. Solak’s evaluation of Beck goes beyond just roster need, pointing to a specific trait that mirrors Prescott’s strengths when playing at his best.
“When kept clean, Beck plays well within himself,” he explained. “He throws with anticipation and decisiveness, and he can flash high-caliber precision to pull receivers away from coverage when working between the numbers.
“Beck is very much a rhythm/confidence thrower who lets his mistakes compound, but he can also get into a pocket and throw with NFL timing and zip. This is a trait he shares with Prescott, who looks like the league’s best quarterback when he’s hot in the pocket.”
That comparison could make Beck an appealing developmental option in a system already tailored to similar quarterback traits.
Beck enters the draft with strong credentials, having thrown for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season while leading Miami to an appearance in the national championship game. He has recorded 96 total touchdowns throughout his long-standing college career. His combination of size, experience, and big-game exposure makes him an intriguing mid-round target.
Solak also emphasized a philosophical shift in how Dallas should approach the position.
“Beck has maturity and big-game experience, and the Cowboys’ past couple of forays into QB2 development have been heavily indexed on traits (Milton, Trey Lance) — it’s time to zag back to the Cooper Rush side of the aisle.”
Currently, Beck carries a PFSN Consensus Big Board grade of 72.38, ranking No. 212 overall. He is projected as a sixth- or seventh-round selection as QB2 — making him a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition.
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Dallas’ offensive performance provides a stable environment for developing a young QB. The team finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record but ranked sixth in the league in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric with an impact score of 84.8. That production earned them a B grade and placed them 89th overall historically in the metric’s database.
Despite the losing record, the offense showed enough consistency to support a developmental QB without immediate pressure to perform. As the draft approaches, the Cowboys face a decision — stick with their current options or invest in a prospect like Beck.
