It's crazy what the Cowboys are doing with Joe Milton: Now no one can sign him
The young quarterback drew interest from around the NFL, but his future took an unexpected turn after hitting waivers.
The Dallas Cowboys decided to give the rest of the NFL a chance to claim quarterback Joe Milton by placing him on the waiver wire during the team’s final roster cuts. However, just a few days later, the young quarterback returned to Dallas, leaving other teams without the opportunity to sign him.
The Cowboys announced Milton’s addition to the practice squad after no team in the league claimed him.
“The Cowboys have signed QB Joe Milton to the practice squad,” Tommy Yarish of Cowboys.com reported through his official X account.
Meanwhile, Jon Machota of The Athletic confirmed the move: “Joe Milton has been signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad.”
NFL insider Jordan Schultz added that the 26-year-old quarterback drew interest from several teams, but his priority was remaining in Dallas.
“Sources: The Cowboys are signing QB Joe Milton to their PS. The talented 26-year-old drew interest from most NFL teams but wanted to stay in Dallas.”
Cowboys cut Joe Milton to finalize their 53-man roster
Dallas released Milton as part of its final roster moves to trim the team down to 53 players ahead of the regular-season opener against the New York Giants on September 13.
“Source: Cowboys are releasing QB Joe Milton,” reported Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Milton’s temporary departure left Sam Howell , the former starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, as Dak Prescott’s primary backup heading into the start of the season.
“Milton would be eligible for the practice squad if he clears waivers. Sam Howell is the No. 2 QB behind Dak Prescott,” Todd Archer of ESPN explained.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson also confirmed that the Cowboys officially placed Milton on waivers.
A fierce battle to become Dak Prescott’s backup
Milton and Howell engaged in a competitive battle throughout organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp for the role of Prescott’s backup.
Howell enters the season with starting experience after opening 17 games for the Commanders in 2024, while Milton was trying to earn an opportunity thanks to his physical tools and elite arm strength.
In May, Todd Archer of ESPN identified Milton as one of Dallas’ players with the most to prove heading into minicamp.
“Acquired last year in a trade with the New England Patriots , Milton impressed with his arm strength during the spring and the early stages of training camp,” Archer wrote.
During the 2025 season, Milton appeared in four games, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards , with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Cowboys also strengthened the quarterback competition by signing Howell in free agency with a $2 million guarantee .
Now, Milton will have another opportunity on the practice squad, where he will continue developing and look to prove he can be a reliable option behind Dak Prescott.
