Joe Milton Released by the Cowboys
Yes, Joe Milton was released by the Dallas Cowboys on August 31, 2026. More precisely, the Cowboys waived the quarterback after claiming running back Emari Demercado from the Kansas City Chiefs.
The move came as a surprise because Milton had produced an impressive preseason while competing with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback job behind Dak Prescott. Dallas ultimately decided to make Milton the corresponding roster move after adding Demercado to its 53-man roster.
Milton’s departure does not necessarily mean his time with Dallas is permanently over. If he clears waivers, the Cowboys could potentially bring him back to their practice squad.
Did the Cowboys Release Joe Milton?
Yes. The Cowboys waived Joe Milton on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The terminology matters because Milton is going through the NFL waiver process rather than simply becoming an unrestricted free agent immediately.
Dallas officially announced that Milton was waived after the team claimed Demercado off waivers. Milton’s roster spot was needed to make room for the running back.
The move was particularly surprising because Milton had made Dallas’ initial 53-man roster one day earlier.
Why Did the Cowboys Release Joe Milton?
The immediate reason was roster management.
Dallas claimed Emari Demercado, a running back who had been waived by the Chiefs. Milton was the corresponding move that allowed the Cowboys to add Demercado to their 53-man roster.
That does not necessarily mean the Cowboys believe Milton cannot play in the NFL.
In fact, his preseason performance suggested the opposite. NFL.com noted that Milton impressed during the preseason with his arm strength and improved accuracy. The Cowboys had also spent the offseason evaluating him and Howell for the backup role.
Joe Milton’s 2026 Preseason Stats
Milton had a productive preseason for Dallas.
According to the Cowboys, he completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions across three preseason games. He also rushed 12 times for 14 yards and scored one rushing touchdown.
His game-by-game passing numbers included:
- vs. Seattle: 12-of-15 passing for 107 yards and one touchdown
- at Arizona: 9-of-13 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns
- vs. New Orleans: 8-of-15 passing for 92 yards
NFL.com’s official preseason log also records Milton’s strong performances against Seattle and Arizona.
Those numbers help explain why his release caught many Cowboys fans off guard.
Joe Milton vs. Sam Howell
Milton entered the offseason competing with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback position behind Dak Prescott.
For much of the preseason, Milton appeared to have a strong case. His arm strength and ability to make explosive throws gave Dallas an intriguing developmental option.
However, the Cowboys ultimately chose Howell as Prescott’s No. 2 quarterback.
NFL.com reported that Howell is now in line to back up Prescott after Dallas waived Milton.
Is Joe Milton Still a Cowboy?
For now, Joe Milton is no longer on the Cowboys’ active roster.
However, his situation could change.
Because Dallas waived him after the roster deadline, Milton must go through the waiver process. If another team does not claim him, the Cowboys could have the opportunity to sign him to their practice squad.
The timing of the move could therefore be important for Dallas. NFL.com noted that because the move came after teams had finalized their initial rosters, the Cowboys could have a chance to bring Milton back if he clears waivers.
Could Joe Milton Return to the Cowboys?
Yes, it is possible.
The Cowboys have already shown that they value Milton’s development. Dallas acquired him from the New England Patriots in 2025 and spent the 2026 offseason giving him an opportunity to compete for the backup job.
If Milton clears waivers, Dallas could look to retain him on the practice squad.
There is one major obstacle: other NFL teams could claim him.
His preseason production, physical tools and experience could make him attractive to teams looking for quarterback depth.
How Did Joe Milton Get to Dallas?
The Cowboys acquired Milton from the New England Patriots in April 2025.
Dallas sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to New England in the deal and also received Milton and a seventh-round selection.
The move gave Milton a fresh opportunity after his rookie season with the Patriots.
He subsequently spent the 2025 season with Dallas and entered the 2026 offseason competing for a larger role.
Joe Milton’s Cowboys Career
Milton’s time in Dallas has been relatively short, but he showed flashes of potential.
During his 2026 preseason, he demonstrated the powerful arm that has long been considered one of his biggest strengths. His three touchdowns without an interception also made his eventual release unexpected.
The Cowboys’ official announcement confirmed that he had been competing with Howell for the backup job throughout the offseason.
Ultimately, roster construction forced Dallas to make a difficult decision.
What Happens to the Cowboys’ Quarterback Room?
With Milton waived, the Cowboys’ quarterback room is currently led by Dak Prescott, with Sam Howell positioned as the backup.
That makes Howell’s role much clearer heading into the regular season.
Dallas had initially carried three quarterbacks, but the decision to claim Demercado changed the roster balance.
The Cowboys could still add another quarterback later, particularly if Milton is claimed by another team or if they want additional depth on the practice squad.
Was Joe Milton’s Release a Surprise?
Absolutely.
Milton’s release was surprising largely because of what he accomplished during the preseason.
He finished the Cowboys’ preseason with 378 passing yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception, according to the team’s official figures.
NFL.com also characterized the move as a surprise, particularly because Milton appeared to have made a strong case during the preseason.
However, NFL roster decisions are not based solely on preseason statistics. Dallas had to balance its quarterback depth against needs elsewhere on the roster.
Joe Milton Released: What Fans Should Know
The most important points are:
- Yes, Joe Milton was released/waived by the Cowboys.
- Dallas announced the move on August 31, 2026.
- The Cowboys waived him after claiming Emari Demercado.
- Milton had an impressive 2026 preseason.
- He threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in three preseason games.
- Sam Howell is now in line to back up Dak Prescott.
- Milton must go through waivers.
- He could potentially return to Dallas’ practice squad if he clears waivers.
- Another NFL team could claim him before that happens.
Final Verdict
Joe Milton has been released by the Dallas Cowboys, but his Cowboys story may not be finished.
Dallas waived the quarterback on August 31 to make room for running back Emari Demercado. The decision was unexpected because Milton had a strong preseason and appeared to be competing seriously with Sam Howell for the backup role.
For now, Howell moves into the No. 2 quarterback position behind Dak Prescott. Milton, meanwhile, enters the waiver process and could attract interest from another NFL team.
If he clears waivers, a return to Dallas’ practice squad remains a possibility.
FAQs
Did the Cowboys release Joe Milton?
Yes. The Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton on August 31, 2026.
Why did the Cowboys release Joe Milton?
Dallas waived Milton after claiming running back Emari Demercado from the Chiefs. Milton’s roster spot was used for the corresponding move.
Is Joe Milton a free agent?
Not immediately. Because he was waived, Milton must first go through the NFL waiver process.
Can Joe Milton return to Dallas?
Yes. If Milton clears waivers, the Cowboys could potentially add him to their practice squad.
Who is the Cowboys’ backup quarterback now?
Sam Howell is in line to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup after Milton was waived.
What were Joe Milton’s 2026 preseason stats?
Milton completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in three preseason games for Dallas. He also rushed for 14 yards and one touchdown.
Leave a Reply