Dallas releases Milton, Howell becomes primary backup quarterback
The Dallas Cowboys have waived quarterback Joe Milton, a day after he made the initial 53-man roster, ending the backup competition. Sam Howell will now serve as Dak Prescott's backup for the season opener against the Giants on Sept. 13. The move came after Dallas claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers, with Milton as the corresponding roster cut.
The Cowboys’ decision to waive Milton came just one day after he secured a spot on the initial 53-man roster, underscoring how quickly roster battles can shift. His preseason performance was uneven—strong in the first two games, but less effective in the finale against New Orleans, where he completed just over half his passes. Howell, meanwhile, threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns in that same game, likely tipping the scale. Dallas also claimed running back Emari Demercado from Kansas City earlier Monday, forcing the corresponding cut. Coach Brian Schottenheimer had called the competition “neck and neck” just hours before the move, and Milton had expressed confidence in his second year within the offense, citing improved understanding and base mechanics.
This move could affect team morale and fan expectations heading into the season opener, as backup quarterback roles often draw scrutiny if the starter struggles. Howell now carries the pressure of being one play away from leading a high-profile franchise, while Milton’s waiver could signal to other teams that Dallas values mobility or arm strength differently. For the Cowboys, the decision may reflect a preference for Howell’s recent momentum over Milton’s raw potential, potentially shaping how the team handles future roster gambles.