Sam Howell Wins Cowboys’ Backup Quarterback Job as Dallas Moves on From Joe Milton III
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have settled on their quarterback room behind Dak Prescott, with veteran Sam Howell emerging as the team’s backup heading into the 2026 season.
Dallas released Joe Milton III on Monday, creating room on the roster for running back Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs.
The move comes after Milton put together an impressive preseason campaign. The former Tennessee standout completed 29 of 43 attempts for 378 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. His development in Dallas had drawn praise from the coaching staff, particularly his improved accuracy and growing command of the offensive system.
Despite Milton’s strong preseason performance, Howell’s previous NFL experience ultimately gave him an advantage in the competition.
Howell, who signed with Dallas during the offseason on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million guaranteed, also performed well throughout the preseason. He completed 27 of 40 passes for 314 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding a rushing touchdown.
The former Washington quarterback enters the season with considerably more NFL experience than Milton. Howell has started 18 games during his career, all coming with the Washington Commanders during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Milton, meanwhile, has appeared in five NFL games over two seasons but has yet to make an NFL start.
The decision was not necessarily viewed as a foregone conclusion entering the final roster decisions. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated that the competition between the two quarterbacks remained open even after the Cowboys acquired Demercado.
“We’re still piecing the puzzle together, and that’s where this thing is very fluid,” Schottenheimer said, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
Dallas also explored potential trade opportunities involving Milton before the league’s 53-man roster deadline. According to a source cited by ESPN, the Cowboys held trade discussions involving the young quarterback before ultimately releasing him.
Milton must first clear waivers before Dallas can potentially bring him back to the organization. If he goes unclaimed, the Cowboys could elect to sign him to their practice squad, although the team has not indicated whether that is part of its plans.
Financial considerations also played a role in the quarterback decision. Releasing Howell would not have eliminated his guaranteed compensation. Dallas would still have been responsible for his $2 million base salary, and placing him on the practice squad would have added that salary on top of his existing guaranteed money.
With the roster deadline approaching, the Cowboys ultimately chose experience and financial practicality, making Howell the No. 2 quarterback.
