Cowboys reunion: Dak Prescott details why Joe Milton’s return boosts Dallas quarterback room
Cowboys keep Joe Milton after waiver scare as Dak Prescott praises his potential
Dak Prescott couldn’t hide his excitement after the Dallas Cowboys brought Joe Milton back, giving the quarterback room another talented arm heading into the 2026 season.
Milton was waived after losing the battle with Sam Howell for the backup quarterback job. Dallas ultimately chose Howell, whose experience and consistency gave him the edge, but the Cowboys weren’t prepared to completely move on from Milton .
After clearing waivers, Milton returned to Dallas on the practice squad, restoring the team’s three-quarterback setup. That was welcome news for Prescott .
The Cowboys quarterback admitted he expected another team to claim Milton , making his return something of a bonus for Dallas. Prescott believes Milton can make the quarterback room stronger while continuing to develop into a player with considerable potential.
"It means a lot," Prescott said. "Obviously, me just personally, I thought he would've gotten picked up in the waivers. Fortunate for us, we got a hell of a player back and a guy that makes our room better, a guy that makes our team better.
“His spirit, just the way that he approaches the day… he's a hell of a dude, a hell of a competitor."
Prescott wants to help Milton keep developing
As Dallas’ leader and starting quarterback, Prescott understands that the young signal-caller could benefit from guidance, especially after missing out on the backup position.
Losing a competition can be frustrating, but Prescott wants Milton to avoid allowing that disappointment to derail his progress. Instead, he wants the quarterback to use the experience as motivation and continue working toward his long-term goals.
That support could be particularly important given Milton’s limited NFL experience. The former sixth-round pick has appeared in only five regular-season games during his first two professional seasons, so every opportunity to learn within an NFL environment matters.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer was also delighted that Milton stayed with the organization. The coach has praised the quarterback’s work ethic and development, while highlighting the rare physical talent that made Dallas interested in him in the first place.
“When he informed me he’s coming back, I was elated,” Schottenheimer said. “This is a guy that’s worked his butt off to get where he is, developed the way he’s developed. The talent is so rare.”
Milton’s preseason performance also gave the Cowboys plenty to like. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception, while also contributing a rushing touchdown. Those numbers helped demonstrate why Dallas didn’t want to risk losing him permanently.
Howell , meanwhile, earned the official QB2 role after a competitive battle. His previous starting experience gives Dallas a more proven option behind Prescott , and he’s expected to contribute throughout the week by helping prepare for opposing defenses and providing another perspective in meetings.
Keeping all three quarterbacks could prove useful for Dallas as the season progresses. Injuries can quickly change a team's plans at the position, and having Milton already familiar with the offense gives the Cowboys an additional option without starting his development from scratch.
