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Cowboys Cut Joe Milton III, Ending QB Battle
1 Sep
Summary
- Joe Milton III was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
- The move followed the team claiming running back Emari Demercado off waivers.
- Sam Howell remains as Dak Prescott's sole backup quarterback.

The Dallas Cowboys made a roster move on Monday, releasing quarterback Joe Milton III. This decision was necessitated by the team's claim of running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Milton's departure concludes a competitive summer battle for the backup quarterback position behind starter Dak Prescott. The competition was primarily between Milton and Sam Howell. Despite Milton's strong preseason performance, throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns, the Cowboys opted to keep Howell as Prescott's lone backup.
Milton, originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was traded to Dallas in April 2025. His contract carried a cap hit of $1,075,000 for 2026. The Cowboys prioritized adding depth at running back, leading to Milton's release.
While a return to the practice squad for Milton is a possibility, other quarterback-needy teams are reportedly monitoring his availability on the waiver wire. His release signifies a shift in Dallas's quarterback depth chart.