FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton III on Monday, a stunning reversal just one day after the team included him on its initial 53-man roster. The move comes as the Cowboys claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs, requiring a corresponding roster decision.
Milton, 26, joined the Cowboys in April 2025 via a trade with the New England Patriots. Dallas sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to New England in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round selection. He was originally drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 193 overall pick.
Milton was in the third year of his four-year, $4,203,316 rookie contract that he signed with New England. He carried a 2026 cap hit of just $1,075,000, with two years remaining on the deal. His career earnings stand at approximately $1.76 million.
During his time with the Cowboys, Milton served as Dak Prescott’s backup in the 2025 season. He appeared in four regular-season games for Dallas, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
What's New
Cowboys released Joe Milton after an impressive preseason performance
Despite the release, Milton turned in an outstanding preseason for the Cowboys. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions across the exhibition slate. He also added a rushing touchdown.
Milton’s most notable performance came against the Arizona Cardinals on August 22, when he threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score in the first half alone. He finished that game 9 of 13 for 179 yards, connecting on a 53-yard touchdown to Jonathan Mingo and a 70-yard strike to Camden Brown. Through the first two preseason games, he amassed 286 passing yards and four total touchdowns.
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Head coach Brian Schottenheimer had praised Milton’s growth, noting the quarterback was “way more comfortable” in the Cowboys’ offense in his second year. However, Milton struggled in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, managing just 92 yards on 15 attempts in a 27-24 loss.
The decision clears the way for Sam Howell to serve as Prescott’s primary backup. Howell, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million guaranteed deal with Dallas in free agency, completed 27 of 40 preseason passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. His 18 career starts with the Washington Commanders provided a significant experience edge over Milton, who has yet to make an NFL start.
The Cowboys reportedly explored trade possibilities involving Milton before finalizing their 53-man roster on Sunday, but no deal materialized.
What’s next for Milton
Because Milton has not reached vested veteran status, he is subject to waivers. Any team can claim him and his current contract within the waiver period. If he clears waivers, he is expected to sign back with the Dallas practice squad.
The Cowboys now enter the regular season with Prescott and Howell as their two quarterbacks, looking to improve upon back-to-back seven-win campaigns.
