Milton had earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster on Sunday, despite questions about whether he would serve as the QB2 behind Dak Prescott. In the days leading up to the cut, Milton produced solid performances in two of the three preseason games and impressed for much of August, often appearing to outplay Sam Howell, the other quarterback in competition for a backup role. This created a narrative that Milton might have secured the job or, at minimum, that Dallas could carry two or even three quarterbacks into the regular season.
The Cowboys did end up carrying three quarterbacks briefly, a result that seemed to validate the optimistic expectations across the fanbase and media alike. However, a late twist emerged. The most plausible explanation for Milton’s abrupt ouster is that Dallas, after initially nutting out the competition, preferred Howell’s all-around performance in the preseason finale and over the course of camp. Howell delivered a strong closing act, completing 11 of 13 passes in the final game, showing comfort in the pocket, delivering deep balls, and creating plays with his mobility and decision-making. This strong finish aligned with his earlier strong showings in the preseason opener and in training camp, reinforcing the coaching staff’s positive assessment.
Coach’s perspective is that Howell held an edge entering the preseason based on how he had performed in Oxnard, California during camp, which helped shape the early belief that he might be the preferred back-up. When the preseason concluded, Howell’s performance strongly reinforced that view, underscoring the notion that the competition had an evident winner.
Milton’s struggles reappeared in the preseason finale, dampening the early optimism. He showed tendencies that had been noted in the previous year: escaping the pocket too soon, holding the ball too long, and misfiring on a handful of throws. Those patterns, which had faded earlier in the summer, resurfaced at the worst possible time and likely influenced the coaching staff’s decision to pivot toward Howell as the preferred option.
So why keep Milton on the initial 53 if the team was inclined to part ways with him? The most reasonable theory is that Dallas explored potential trade possibilities in the 48 hours following roster cuts. Milton’s film from the first two preseason games could have attracted interest from teams seeking quarterback depth, such as those with quarterback injuries or uncertain depth charts. The club may have aimed to leverage Milton’s value in potential trades, rather than simply releasing him outright. It’s important to note that this remains speculative, but it fits the timeline and the market dynamics teams often navigate during cut-down periods.
What comes next for Joe Milton? If he clears waivers, a return to the Cowboys’ practice squad could be possible, though it would depend on league rules and team needs. More broadly, Milton could attract interest from other NFL teams seeking quarterback depth or a player with upside who could develop behind a starter. The coming days will reveal whether he hits the open market after waivers or lands with a new organization in need of a quarterback with upside and experience.
In the broader context, the Cowboys’ handling of the quarterback competition reflects the delicate balance teams strike between evaluating talent in practice and preseason while accounting for long-term roster construction and potential market value. Howell’s strong finish helps explain why the coaching staff favored him as the more consistent option entering the regular season, even if Milton showed flashes that suggested potential in the right system.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the quarterback depth chart evolves as the season approaches. With Prescott leading the way and Howell now positioned as a strong backup option, Dallas has demonstrated that roster decisions can hinge on the latest evaluative data from training camp and the preseason, as much as on long-term projections. As for Milton, the next chapter will unfold in the hours and days ahead, whether he lands with another team, returns to a practice squad, or remains a potential trade asset for the Cowboys or another franchise seeking a quarterback with upside.
End of analysis.
