Cowboys waive Milton, name Howell backup QB

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  Todd ArcherAug 31, 2026, 04:13 PM ET

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  Todd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys. Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003. He joined ESPN in 2010.

FRISCO, Texas -- Sam Howell will be the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback to Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton III on Monday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, to make room for running back Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.

Milton, who served as Prescott's backup in 2025, had an outstanding preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Cowboys praised the jump he made in understanding the offense and his improved accuracy.

According to a source, the Cowboys did have some trade conversations regarding Milton prior to the cut down to the 53-man roster on Sunday. If Milton clears waivers, he could be brought back to the practice squad.

Speaking after the Demercado move was official but before the club's decision to release Milton, coach Brian Schottenheimer said the competition between the two QBs would continue.

"We're still piecing the puzzle together and that's where this thing is very fluid," Schottenheimer said.

Howell signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million guaranteed as a free agent. He also had a productive preseason, completing 27 of 40 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for a touchdown.

If the Cowboys released Howell, they would still be on the hook for his $2 million base salary, and if he would have been brought back to the practice squad, that money would have counted in addition to his guaranteed money.

One edge for Howell was experience. He has 18 career starts (all with Washington in 2022 and '23). Milton has played in five games in two years with no starts.