Dallas Cowboys release quarterback Joe Milton after initial roster announcement
9 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 10:18 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys have released quarterback Joe Milton. The move occurred on August 31, 2026, following the team's initial 53-man roster announcement this past Sunday. Milton had been widely viewed as the primary backup to starter Dak Prescott throughout the training camp and preseason sessions. During the preseason, Milton led the NFC in passing on third downs. His release remains notable given his performance in exhibition appearances, though the team may be utilizing roster movement to navigate league waiver rules. The decision follows a period where the team had already finalized its core roster, marking a significant change in the quarterback depth chart moving into the regular season.
- •The Dallas Cowboys released quarterback Joe Milton on August 31, 2026.
- •Milton was previously named to the team's initial 53-man roster on Sunday.
- •The quarterback led the NFC in third-down passing during the 2026 preseason.
- •The team may be attempting to clear roster space or navigate waiver claims.
- 10:18 PMYahoo Sports — Joe Milton rejoins Cowboys on practice squad after losing backup QB job to Sam Howell
- 9:59 PMThe Dallas Morning News — Could Joe Milton return to Cowboys? Schottenheimer opens up after 'hard decision' to release QB - Dallas News
- 4:41 AMYahoo Sports — “Sam Howell Is Trash”: NFL Legend Rips Cowboys for Cutting Joe Milton From 53-Man Roster
- 9:15 PMESPN — Cowboys waive Milton, name Howell backup QB
- 9:12 PMYahoo Sports — Dak Prescott gets new backup as Cowboys waive Joe Milton III
- 8:26 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys release QB Joe Milton, keep Sam Howell to backup Dak Prescott this season
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Dallas Cowboys release QB Joe Milton
"Quarterback Joe Milton rejoined the Dallas Cowboys on the practice squad Wednesday after losing his backup job to offseason pickup Sam Howell. Milton was waived Monday, a day before coach Brian Schottenheimer said the nod to be the No. 2 behind Dak Prescott went to Howell because of his overall command of the offense. “We looked at the whole body of work,” Schottenheimer said.
"On Monday, August 31, the Dallas Cowboys had to make some tough decisions. They decided to keep Sam Howell as the quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
"The Cowboys named Sam Howell as the team's backup QB after waiving Joe Milton III on Monday to make room for free agent RB Emari Demercado.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 10:18 PMJoe Milton rejoins Cowboys on practice squad after losing backup QB job to Sam Howell
Quarterback Joe Milton rejoined the Dallas Cowboys on the practice squad Wednesday after losing his backup job to offseason pickup Sam Howell. Milton was waived Monday, a day before coach Brian Schottenheimer said the nod to be the No. 2 behind Dak Prescott went to Howell because of his overall command of the offense. “We looked at the whole body of work,” Schottenheimer said.
- The Dallas Morning NewsSep 1, 2026, 9:59 PMCould Joe Milton return to Cowboys? Schottenheimer opens up after 'hard decision' to release QB - Dallas News
Schottenheimer wants a third quarterback for the practice squad, and if that’s Milton, good. If not, well, it’s time to keep it moving.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 4:41 AM“Sam Howell Is Trash”: NFL Legend Rips Cowboys for Cutting Joe Milton From 53-Man Roster
On Monday, August 31, the Dallas Cowboys had to make some tough decisions. They decided to keep Sam Howell as the quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
- ESPNAug 31, 2026, 9:15 PMCowboys waive Milton, name Howell backup QB
The Cowboys named Sam Howell as the team's backup QB after waiving Joe Milton III on Monday to make room for free agent RB Emari Demercado.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 9:12 PMDak Prescott gets new backup as Cowboys waive Joe Milton III
The Dallas Cowboys waived backup quarterback Joe Milton III on Monday to make room on the 53-man roster for RB Emari Demercado.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 8:26 PMCowboys release QB Joe Milton, keep Sam Howell to backup Dak Prescott this season
Joe Milton spent last season as a backup in Dallas, and appeared in four games.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 8:00 PMDallas Cowboys release QB Joe Milton
The Cowboys have released Joe Milton
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