Cowboys Stun Fans by Waiving Joe Milton, Naming Sam Howell Backup QB

The Dallas Cowboys waived Joe Milton in a surprising quarterback move as the team continued adjusting its roster ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season. The decision leaves veteran Sam Howell as the primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott.

Dallas waived Milton to create a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, according to multiple reports. Demercado had recently become available after spending the offseason with Kansas City.

The move attracted attention because Milton had produced a promising preseason and appeared to have a legitimate chance of earning the Cowboys’ No. 2 quarterback job.

Why the Cowboys Waive Joe Milton in Surprise Roster Move

The Cowboys entered training camp with competition behind Prescott, and both Joe Milton and Sam Howell received opportunities to prove they could handle the backup role.

Milton showed some of the physical ability that has made him an intriguing developmental quarterback. Reuters reported that he threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns without an interception during the preseason.

Despite those performances, Dallas ultimately decided to move forward with Howell.

The timing of Milton’s release was also connected to another roster move. Dallas needed room to add Demercado, giving the Cowboys additional depth at running back.

Cowboys Waive Joe Milton as Dallas Reshapes the QB Depth Chart

With Milton no longer on the active roster, the quarterback hierarchy becomes much clearer.

Dak Prescott remains firmly established as the Cowboys’ starter, while Howell moves into the No. 2 position.

Howell brings significantly more regular-season starting experience. He started all 17 games for Washington during the 2023 season, experience that could have helped Dallas favor him in a backup role where a quarterback may need to enter the lineup with little preparation.

For the Cowboys, choosing a backup isn’t simply about preseason statistics. Experience, understanding of the offense, consistency in practice and the coaching staff’s confidence in a player’s ability to manage games can all influence the final decision.

Why Dallas Chose Sam Howell Over Joe Milton

Dallas hasn’t necessarily indicated that Milton lacked potential. Instead, the decision suggests the Cowboys valued Howell’s experience and readiness behind Prescott.

Howell joined Dallas during the offseason and competed with Milton throughout camp. With substantial NFL starting experience already on his résumé, he offered the Cowboys a more experienced option if Prescott were unavailable.

Milton’s situation is different. His combination of arm strength and athletic ability gives him developmental upside, but he has considerably less NFL starting experience.

The move therefore appears to be as much about immediate roster construction as long-term potential.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also emphasized that NFL rosters remain fluid, meaning Dallas could continue making adjustments as the regular season approaches.

What Joe Milton’s Release Means for the Cowboys

Milton’s time with Dallas may not necessarily be over.

If he clears waivers, the Cowboys could potentially bring him back on the practice squad. Reports indicate Dallas may still be interested in keeping him in the organization if another NFL team does not claim him first.

That possibility could allow Dallas to continue developing Milton without using an active-roster position on a third quarterback.

However, clearing waivers isn’t guaranteed. Milton’s preseason performance and physical tools could attract interest from another team looking for additional quarterback depth.

For now, the biggest immediate consequence is clear: Sam Howell is the Cowboys’ backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott.

What Comes Next for Joe Milton?

Milton now enters an uncertain but potentially interesting stage of his career.

Another team could claim him, giving him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster position elsewhere. If he clears waivers, Dallas could attempt to reunite with him through the practice squad.

Either outcome would give Milton another chance to continue developing after a preseason that demonstrated some of his potential.

For Dallas, meanwhile, the decision simplifies the quarterback room as Week 1 approaches.

Final Thoughts

The decision to waive Joe Milton may have surprised Cowboys fans after his productive preseason, but Dallas appears to have prioritized Sam Howell’s NFL experience when selecting Dak Prescott’s backup.

The roster move also allowed the Cowboys to strengthen another position by adding Emari Demercado.

Milton’s future remains worth watching. Whether another team claims him or Dallas finds a way to bring him back, his strong preseason should give him opportunities to continue his NFL career.

For the Cowboys, however, the quarterback depth chart is clear for now: Dak Prescott is QB1, and Sam Howell is QB2.