The Dallas Cowboys announced the release of quarterback Joe Milton on Monday. Milton was acquired in April 2025 when the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots. He had been vying for the backup quarterback role against Sam Howell throughout the offseason.
On the same day, the Cowboys added running back Emari Demercado to their roster after claiming him off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. This move required the team to release Milton to make space for Demercado on the 53-man roster.
In the 2026 preseason, Milton participated in three games, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, achieving three touchdowns without any interceptions. He also rushed 12 times for 14 yards, scoring one rushing touchdown.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had previously expressed confidence in both Milton and Howell as potential backup quarterbacks. He recalled a discussion with Milton that underscored his self-confidence in his skills, while also noting the difficulty of mastering the team's intricate offensive system.
Milton shared his growing comfort with the Cowboys' offense, stating that a full season and a second training camp had helped him feel more at ease. He emphasized the significance of understanding the playbook and executing plays effectively.
