Jerry Jones Claims He Has No Cowboys Succession Plan, But Stephen Jones Looms

Jerry Jones has owned the Cowboys for 37 years.

Jerry Jones Claims He Has No Cowboys Succession Plan, But Stephen Jones Looms

Jerry Jones (Image via IMAGO)

Over the last thirty years, the Dallas Cowboys fanbase may criticize owner Jerry Jones for failing to build rosters capable of winning Super Bowls, but none can deny that Jones has turned the ‘Americas Team’ into the most profitable sports venture in the world. During that time, he has found support from children, especially Stephen Jones.

Jerry Jones is among the longest-serving patriarchs in the NFL. Although he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, Jones is turning 84 in October and may need to consider transferring power to one of his family members.

Stephen Jones is next in line. Jones, an alumnus of the University of Arkansas like his father, joined the Cowboys as vice president of the franchise in 1989.

I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t. One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.

Jerry Jones told The Athletic’s Zak Keefer

Jerry Jones has served as the Dallas Cowboys owner ever since he purchased the franchise from H.R. “Bum” Bright for $140 million. Per Sportico, the Cowboys are valued at $15.5 billion in 2026, the most profitable sports franchise in the world.

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Jerry Jones gives his honest thoughts on the Cowboys backup quarterback battle

Dak Prescott is the Cowboys’ undisputed number signal-caller. Prescott has played under center for nearly a decade. However, the Cowboys have yet to decide who will be the Pro Bowler’s backup in 2026.

Jerry Jones Claims He Has No Cowboys Succession Plan, But Stephen Jones Looms
Joe Milton (Image via ESPN)

Joe Milton and Sam Howell are locked in an intense battle for the QB2 job. Dallas acquired both quarterbacks via trade. Milton arrived from the New England Patriots last year and made the backup role his after Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys traded for Howell from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the year.

Howell’s presence kicked off a quarterback battle. They were neck and neck during camp. Milton pulled ahead of Howell with an impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals in the second preseason game. Milton threw for 9 completions, 179 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Howell conceded an interception in the fixture.

Ahead of the Cowboys’ final prep game against the New Orleans Saints, Jones spoke with sideline reporter Kristi Scales on The 105.3 The Fan and addressed the Cowboys’ raging QB2 battle.

I’d like to see them both [Joe Milton and Sam Howell] make some of the kinds of plays they’ve made in the first two games. Frankly, both have been impressive. That’s one of the best [pieces of] news we can have, if you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan. And so, I think Joe has had enormous- and I use that word figuratively, but I mean it literally- he’s had enormous improvement since he stepped on the field first last year. And we just gotta see it keep going, and I hope that happens tonight.

Jerry Jones said

Howell, a former fifth-round draft pick of the Washington Commanders, closed the gap on Milton on Friday night against the Saints. Howell completed 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards and threw 2 touchdowns. Milton had 8 completions for 92 yards.

Jones is open to keeping three quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster. So, likely the Cowboys will retain both Milton and Howell for the 2026 season.

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