March 11, 2026, 5:57 p.m. ET
There’s five months until professional football is played again, but NFL free agency is very active in its early stages. One of the many moves involves Sam Howell, the former UNC quarterback who holds numerous school records.
On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys announced they are signing Howell to a 1-year deal. Howell likely serves as Dak Prescott’s backup.
Ironically, Howell started his first NFL game against “America’s Team” back in 2022, when the Washington Commanders won a 22-6 game to close both teams’ regular season. In that game, Howell completed 11-of-19 passes for 169 yards, one passing touchdown and interception apiece, while adding 35 rushing yards and a score.
Howell spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but didn’t play a single down. Howell played sparingly for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, which came one season after a failed, turnover-ridden run as Washington’s starting quarterback.
Ironically, Howell will play for his third NFC East team in his young NFL career, with the New York Giants being the only squad he still has to suit up for.
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Howell starred as a Tar Heel from 2019-2021, helping them win their most recent bowl game, a 55-13 drubbing of Temple in 2019. Howell later finished his North Carolina career third in ACC history with 92 passing touchdowns, fifth with 111 TDs responsible for, plus eighth in total yardage (11,292).
Unless Prescott injures himself, Howell’s path to playing time is very slim in the Lone Star State. It’s good to see the former UNC standout still in the league, though, as he’ll get the chance to earn preseason minutes in August.
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