The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising move by releasing quarterback Joe Milton III from their 53-man roster to accommodate running back Emari Demercado. This decision positioned Sam Howell as the backup quarterback for the upcoming regular season. Despite interest from other teams, Milton went unclaimed on waivers and opted to return to the Cowboys' practice squad.
Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott praised Milton's return, emphasizing his positive impact on the team's quarterback room. Prescott noted Milton's significant improvements during the offseason and expressed confidence in his future potential. "It means a lot.
Just me, personally, I thought he would’ve been picked up in the waivers or whatever it is. Fortunate for us, we got a hell of a player back," Prescott stated.
Prescott acknowledged that Milton was disappointed about losing the QB2 position, which he held throughout the 2025 season. He emphasized the importance of supporting Milton as he channels that frustration into motivation for growth and development.
Milton, originally a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2024, was traded to the Cowboys before the 2025 season. Known for his impressive physical attributes, including a strong arm and athleticism, Milton showed promise but struggled with consistency in his first season. In four regular-season games, he completed 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, recording one touchdown and two interceptions.
This preseason, Milton demonstrated notable improvement, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His ability to reduce overthrown passes and effectively manage the pocket has been highlighted as key progress.
