Cowboys waive QB Joe Milton

The Dallas Cowboys have released backup quarterback Joe Milton, removing him from the team's 53‑man roster. The move eliminates Milton’s chance to compete for playing time this season and frees a roster slot for the Cowboys as they approach Dak Prescott’s 11th year as starter. Milton, a 6‑foot‑5, 236‑pound former Michigan quarterback, is the immediate loser; the club gains flexibility to adjust its depth chart. The decision comes as the roster headroom tightens before training camp. ESPN’s sources echoed the move and highlighted Howell’s promotion to QB2.

Bleacher Report listed potential landing spots for Milton in free agency, and WTOP News added that tackle Broderick Jones will now compete for a starting role. The Cowboys’ official site posted a brief transaction notice confirming the waiver. Several outlets repeated the news within minutes, underscoring the swift consensus across sports media. The roster change introduces a new dynamic: Sam Howell moves into the backup slot, but the Cowboys have not announced a third quarterback, leaving depth questions unresolved. Simultaneously, Broderick Jones’s competition for the starting tackle position adds another layer of uncertainty on the line.

Milton’s release makes him an unrestricted free agent, and analysts note that his market value will depend on team needs during the upcoming free‑agency period. No official statements on his preferred destination were given. Observers will monitor the Cowboys’ next roster move, particularly whether a third quarterback is signed before the season opener. Milton’s agent is likely to field interest from teams seeking a size‑advantaged backup, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s ranking of potential destinations. The outcome of Broderick Jones’s competition for the starting tackle role will also shape the offensive line configuration heading into training camp.