Future in the Shadows: Why Dallas Chose to Keep Two Young Quarterbacks in the Building
In the PML, the 53-man roster gets the headlines — but the practice squad often determines the season’s future. This week, the Dallas Cowboys made two intentional, future-focused moves by signing QB Alonzo Barnett and QB Maalik Murphy to the practice squad, securing developmental depth that speaks volumes about the franchise’s long-term vision under center.
Both quarterbacks flashed traits throughout the preseason — flashes that weren’t consistent enough to win roster spots outright, but too valuable to release back into free agency. Instead of choosing just one developmental QB, Dallas chose both, signaling that the organization isn’t just preparing for emergencies — they’re building a succession plan.
Maalik Murphy — The Arm Talent You Don’t Walk Away From
Murphy’s preseason was defined by what coaches call “the plays that make you lean forward.”
The ball jumps off his hand — the kind of velocity that turns late windows into open ones and challenges defensive backs to recover instantly.
Murphy showed:
- Vertical arm strength that stresses safeties
- Willingness to attack intermediate zones
- Poise after mistakes
- Command in scripted situations
The inconsistencies were predictable for a rookie:
- timing on outbreaking routes
- late decisions under pressure
- occasional placement highs
But what mattered more was this: every week, the tape got cleaner.
Dallas believes Murphy has the potential to be a future QB2 — and maybe more — but they want that growth to happen without the pressure of game-day expectations. A year on the practice squad gives him what preseason reps can’t: daily refinement in the system, behind Joe Milton III and Dak Prescott.
“We’re not parking Murphy — we’re polishing him.”
— Assistant QB Coach
Alonzo Barnett II — The Processor With Presence
Where Murphy brings raw horsepower, Alonzo Barnett brings rhythm.
Barnett’s strengths:
- quick decision-making
- footwork detail in play-action
- calm under pressure
- ball placement in short-to-mid concepts
He didn’t light up the stat sheet in preseason action, but teammates and coaches repeatedly praised his control. He ran the huddle like he belonged. He operated tempo like a veteran. And he stacked film quietly — the kind that coaches appreciate more than highlight reels.
Barnett’s presence on the practice squad gives Dallas something invaluable:
- a steady scout-team passer
- a system-aligned emergency option
- a long-term chess piece without salary strain
“His timing is NFL-ready — we’re going to raise the ceiling around it.”
— Offensive Coordinator
Why Keep Both? — Philosophical Insight
Some teams carry veteran safety blankets.
Dallas chose developmental competition.
By retaining Murphy and Barnett simultaneously:
- The QB room stays competitive all year
- Scout-team defense gets legitimate looks
- Injury insurance doesn’t sacrifice upside
- Future roster flexibility increases
- The next starter isn’t forced — he’s earned
And should Milton or Prescott miss time, Dallas won’t be calling strangers —
they’ll be elevating someone who already speaks the language.
Depth Chart Implications
| QB | Status | Organizational View |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Milton III | Starter | Franchise trajectory |
| Dak Prescott | Primary backup | Veteran presence & stability |
| Maalik Murphy | Practice squad | High-ceiling arm talent |
| Alonzo Barnett II | Practice squad | Timing passer with system fit |
This layout gives Dallas something rare in PML:
clarity today, flexibility tomorrow.
Coach Hirsch’s Closing Notes
“Quarterback development is investment — not luck.
We kept two because we see two futures.”
Final Word
Dallas didn’t lose talent to numbers —
they doubled down on it.
Murphy brings potential electricity.
Barnett brings professional stability.
Together, they give the Cowboys something every successful franchise needs:
a quarterback room built for today — and prepared for tomorrow.
