Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III (10) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton III on Monday shortly after claiming running back Emari Demercado from the Kansas City Chiefs, requiring the team to make a corresponding roster decision. Before finalizing their 53-man roster on Sunday, the Cowboys did explore trade possibilities involving Milton, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.
Milton's release was unexpected given his preseason performance and his competition with Sam Howell for the backup job behind Dak Prescott. Across three preseason games in 2026, Milton completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also recorded 12 rushing attempts for 14 yards and a touchdown.
Dallas acquired Milton from the New England Patriots in April 2025, sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to New England. The Patriots had selected the Tennessee quarterback in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Milton appeared in one regular-season game for New England before joining the Cowboys and played 51 offensive snaps for Dallas during the 2025 season.
The Cowboys had reportedly been pleased with Milton's development. He entered his second training camp with the team and said after the preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals that he was much more comfortable with the offense after spending the previous season learning the playbook. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer had also expressed confidence in both Milton and Howell as capable backup options.
Howell ultimately won the QB2 spot. He completed 27 of 40 preseason passes for 314 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for a touchdown. His experience was an important factor, as Howell has 18 career starts, all coming with the Washington Commanders during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Milton, meanwhile, has appeared in five regular-season games across two seasons without making a start.
Howell signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million guaranteed. Releasing him would have left Dallas responsible for his $2 million base salary, while placing him on the practice squad would have added that salary obligation to his guaranteed money.
Milton remains subject to waivers. If he clears, the Cowboys could potentially bring him back on its practice squad, although it remains uncertain whether the team will pursue that option. Milton also has two years remaining on his rookie contract, making the next step in his situation worth watching.