Dak Prescott reacts to Jerry Jones' sudden roster move following Brian Schottenheimer's call

Dallas kept another developmental quarterback in the building after Brian Schottenheimer made his preference clear, and Dak Prescott believes the decision could pay off.

The Cowboys waived Joe Milton while setting their initial 53-man roster, choosing Sam Howell as Prescott ’s primary backup.

But Schottenheimer wanted Milton back if the 26-year-old cleared waivers, and owner Jerry Jones followed through by re-signing him to the practice squad. Prescott didn't hide his approval.

“It means a lot,” Prescott said. “Just me, personally, I thought he would’ve been picked up in the waivers or whatever it is. 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.”

Milton ’s arm talent has long been the most obvious part of his game, but Prescott pointed to more than that when explaining why Dallas was fortunate to retain him.

“His spirit, just the way that he approaches the day, he’s a hell of a dude, he’s a hell of a competitor, one of the best at throwing the ball, honestly, and just his talent,” Prescott said.

“Just the way he’s jumped and progressed from year to year, I know what’s ahead of him.”

Another quarterback worth developing

The move gives Dallas three quarterbacks in the building with very different responsibilities.

Prescott remains firmly established as the starter after throwing for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025, earning the fourth Pro Bowl selection of his career.

Howell will serve as the immediate backup, while Milton gives Schottenheimer another developmental option who can continue learning without occupying a spot on the active roster. It also fits a broader theme around the Cowboys this offseason.

Dallas has operated with considerably less drama than in previous years, addressing contracts and roster decisions early enough to keep the conversation focused largely on football. Prescott has noticed the change.

“I think it not only allows us to be focused, but the narrative around us and the distraction or attention or whatever you want to say around us to be focused on just ball,” he said.

“We know what we’ve got. We know who we’ve got, and we’re ready to roll.”

Good feeling has an expiration date

The optimism is understandable after Dallas produced one of the NFL’s most productive offenses last season. The Cowboys finished second in total offense with 6,663 yards and scored 471 points.

George Pickens recorded 1,429 receiving yards, while CeeDee Lamb added another 1,077 as Prescott led a passing attack built to contend immediately. Still, Prescott isn't confusing a smooth offseason with actual progress.

“It’s definitely different,” he said. “I’m optimistic going into every season, it’s an NFL season, positive vibes and good energy doesn’t win you games.”

That's the standard facing Dallas as Prescott enters his 11th NFL season. Jones and Schottenheimer have created the quarterback room they wanted.

Prescott likes the direction. Now the Cowboys have to turn those decisions into wins. “We’ve got to go do it,” Prescott said. “We’ve got to go win games.”