Cowboys Release QB Milton; Howell Steps In as Backup
The Dallas Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton, who had initially made the 53-man roster, with Sam Howell now serving as Dak Prescott's backup. Milton, a 26-year-old with a strong arm, has appeared in five games over the past two seasons, throwing for 424 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Potential suitors include the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and New York Jets, who could use additional quarterback depth.
Milton's release comes just days after head coach Brian Schottenheimer publicly praised his development, noting improvements in blitz adjustments and reading through progressions. The 26-year-old arrived in Dallas via trade last offseason after beginning his career with the Patriots, where he saw limited action behind Drake Maye. His NFL résumé remains thin, with only five appearances and modest production across two seasons.
The waiver decision leaves Dallas with Howell, a former Commanders starter who threw for nearly 4,000 yards in his lone starting season, as the primary insurance behind Prescott. For Milton, his combination of arm strength and mobility should attract interest from quarterback-needy teams, particularly those with unproven or aging depth charts.
This roster move could ripple through several NFL quarterback rooms as teams finalize their depth charts. For Milton, a waiver could shorten his path to playing time on a team with weaker competition behind its starter. For fans of the Dolphins, Titans, or Jets, his arrival might signal concerns about their current backup situations. The decision also highlights how quickly coaching staffs reassess player development, even after public praise, which may shape how young quarterbacks view their organizational opportunities.