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Cowboys waive Joe Milton III as Sam Howell emerges as new backup QB

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The first day of waiver claims has sparked a surprising move for “America’s Team.”

The Cowboys have waived quarterback Joe Milton III following the successful acquisition of running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Chiefs.

Milton’s departure raises eyebrows, especially given his impressive performance during the preseason. He had seemingly secured the backup role behind Dak Prescott, outshining Sam Howell in the process. The third-year quarterback showcased his powerful arm and precise passing, throwing for 271 yards and two touchdowns over three appearances.

The Cowboys waived Milton to accommodate Demercado’s spot on the roster. The surprising release comes after Milton spent just over one year in Dallas.

The New England Patriots selected the Tennessee quarterback in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft and traded him to the Cowboys for a fifth-round pick less than a year later in April 2025.

Milton is poised to draw interest on the waiver wire as the 26-year-old has flashed in limited action and possesses a high-upside combination of elite arm strength and strong athleticism. Dallas may find a way to bring Milton back into the fold, but for now, Dak Prescott and Sam Howell are the only two quarterbacks on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. If Milton clears waivers, he could return on Dallas’ practice squad.

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