Cowboys' unexpected Milton move a big gamble on Howell

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cowboys' unexpected Joe Milton III move a big gamble on fellow QB Sam Howell

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 5:44 PM ET

Some had penciled in Joe Milton III as the backup quarterback to Dak Prescott, but the Dallas Cowboys had other ideas.

On Monday, the Cowboys waived Milton to make room for running back Emari Demecardo, whom they claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. The third-year QB is still eligible for the practice squad if he clears waivers. That's a big if. Plenty of teams with backup QB questions (the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins) would be interested in adding Milton through the waiver wire after a solid preseason.

Clearly, the Cowboys believe QB Sam Howell can get the job done if Prescott, who has suffered a fractured right thumb and hamstring tear over the past four seasons, misses more time. Dallas hopes that doesn't happen, but if it does, Howell must reward the team's confidence.

Waiving of Joe Milton III is a big gamble on Sam Howell

Howell delivered a steady performance in preseason, finishing 27-of-40 passing (67.5 percent, above average) for 314 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Dallas' passing attack, however, was much more dynamic with strong-armed Milton.

The @dallascowboys claimed RB Emari Demercado off waivers from Kansas City.

As the corresponding move, the club waived QB Joe Milton.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) August 31, 2026

This preseason, Milton went 29-of-43 passing (67.4 percent) for 378 yards and three TDs. He showcased his ability to conduct a vertical passing attack when he launched a 53-yard TD pass to wide receiver Jonathan Mingo in a 34-13 Week 2 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Joe Milton LAUNCHES it for a 53-yard TD pass to Jonathan Mingo

DALvsAZ on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3LgWRZrsii
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2026

Before the Milton update, Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the backup QB competition would remain open entering the regular season. Perhaps he and the Cowboys valued Howell's experience over Milton's upside.

Howell (pick No. 144 of the 2022 NFL Draft) started 18 games for the Washington Commanders between 2022 and 2023. It was a bumpy ride. He went 5-13 as a starter, throwing the same number of TD passes and interceptions (22). Washington traded him to the Seattle Seahawks after taking QB Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall in 2024.

Milton, meanwhile, has never started a game in Dallas or with the New England Patriots. Last season, he played in four games for Dallas, completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 183 yards, tossing one TD pass and two picks.

Dallas better know what it's doing. Howell is only one play away from taking snaps instead of Prescott, and it's uncertain he's that much more trustworthy than Milton.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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