Why Cowboys should move quickly to re-sign QB Joe Milton III to practice squad

"Joe obviously played really well in the preseason games," Jones told DLLS Cowboys on Tuesday. "We really liked his performance. Sam did as well. But at the end of the day, when you look at the full body of work in training camp, the practices against other teams, the coaches thought — albeit really close — Sam was the best choice for the team to go with as two now. We'd love to have Joe back. A lot of teams in this league figure out ways to carry three and four [quarterbacks]. We've got a lot of stress on our roster with this new defense and things that we're doing that we can carry two. We're in talks with Joe. We'll see if he gets claimed. If he doesn't, we'd love to have Joe back as our three and on the practice squad."

Adding Milton to the practice squad would give him more time to learn the Cowboys offense and help the QB continue to grow. He made significant strides in preseason after struggling with his accuracy in his first season in Dallas. Last season, the QB completed a below-average 62.5 percent of his passes (15-of-24 attempts) in four games with the Cowboys.

Milton has a cannon arm but often relied on it too much early in his career, frequently overthrowing his targets. Schottenheimer complimented him for improving his accuracy and touch before Dallas' preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. 

"Arm strength is cool," the coach said. "But go to the fair and win a teddy bear."

Howell — who went 5-13 as a starter in two seasons with the Washington Commanders (2022-23) — may not be a reliable backup to QB Dak Prescott. Keeping another option, like Milton, would be wise for the Cowboys, especially as he's trending in the right direction.