What the Cowboys achieved by releasing Joe Milton and re-signing him to the practice squad

The Dallas Cowboys front office once again proved why they are one of the most forward-thinking organizations in the National Football League. In a move that sent initial shockwaves through Cowboys Nation, the team released quarterback Joe Milton on Monday, only to bring him back on Wednesday via the practice squad.

What appeared to be a shocking roster cut was actually a meticulously calculated chess move, and the Cowboys emerged from this transaction with significant gains.

The master plan behind the roster maneuver for Joe Milton

The release of Milton was never about a lack of faith in the talented quarterback. Instead, it was a strategic necessity driven by roster management.

The Cowboys needed to clear a spot on the 53-man roster to claim running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a dynamic playmaker who averaged 6.5 yards per carry over three seasons, representing an immediate upgrade to the Cowboys’ running back room that they simply could not pass up.

By placing Milton on waivers, the Cowboys executed a brilliant two-fold strategy. First, they secured a valuable running back who could contribute immediately.

Second, they leveraged the timing of the waiver wire to their advantage. The Cowboys kept Milton on the initial 53-man roster on Sunday. That just means most teams had already finalized their quarterback situations by Monday. This delay significantly reduced the chances of another team claiming him.

The gamble was calculated based on a clear understanding of the league landscape. While Milton possesses undeniable talent and a rocket arm that can throw the ball 85 yards, he remains an unproven project with no regular-season starts to his name.

The Cowboys correctly assessed that no other team would be willing to claim a quarterback who, despite his immense potential, still needs development.

What the Cowboys gained from this calculated risk

The rewards of this strategic move are substantial and multi-layered. Most immediately, the Cowboys secured Emari Demercado without sacrificing long-term quarterback depth. The addition of a proven running back significantly strengthens the offense.

Furthermore, the Cowboys retained Milton on a practice-squad deal, giving them three quarterbacks for the price of two active-roster spots. This creates incredible flexibility. Milton can continue developing within the system alongside quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien, learning from both Dak Prescott and Sam Howell while remaining available for elevation if needed.

The coaching staff, led by Brian Schottenheimer, has been crystal clear about their belief in Milton’s future. Schottenheimer recently stated, “I think Joe is going to be a terrific player in this league”. The head coach also emphasized that Milton is “playing quarterback at a high level” and learning what it truly means to play the position beyond just having a powerful arm.

Milton’s preseason performance justified the team’s continued investment. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His preseason quarterback rating of 116.8 showcased the significant strides he has made since joining the Cowboys in a 2025 trade from the New England Patriots.

The Cowboys also maintained roster flexibility by keeping just two quarterbacks on the active roster. Prescott remains the unquestioned starter, with Sam Howell secured as the QB2 on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Milton now serves as the third option on the practice squad, ready to be called up if circumstances require. This move also demonstrated the Cowboys’ commitment to player development.

By bringing Milton back, the organization signaled that they value continuity and is willing to invest in young talent even when it requires navigating complex roster mechanics. The fact that Milton chose to return to Dallas despite drawing interest from other teams speaks volumes about the culture the Cowboys have built.

Perhaps most importantly, the Cowboys successfully executed this plan without any negative consequences. Milton cleared waivers on Tuesday, and by Wednesday evening, he had agreed to return to the team. The entire process from release to re-signing took just two days.

The organization knew exactly what it was doing, and the result is a stronger, more flexible roster heading into the regular season opener against the New York Giants. 

The Cowboys have successfully added a playmaking running back while maintaining their quarterback depth, all without losing a single asset. That is the kind of front office wizardry that builds championship rosters.