Cowboys release quarterback Joe Milton after preseason competition for Dallas’ backup job

FRISCO, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys released quarterback Joe Milton on Monday, closing out a preseason competition that positioned him as a contender for the club’s quarterback depth spot behind starter Sam Howell’s competition in the backup role conversation.

The move reflects the NFL’s roster-reduction rhythm as teams close in on their regular-season quarterback plans. In the preseason, Dallas used Milton and Howell to sort out the order of its passing depth, gauging how each quarterback operated with the second and third-team units and how quickly they could adapt to the play-calling cadence.

According to the Cowboys’ announcement, Milton had been part of the quarterback competition in training camp and the preseason, working through practices and game reps while the team evaluated options behind its starter. With the release, Dallas is indicating that it will enter the regular season with different depth pieces at quarterback than the ones it used during the preseason window.

For Milton, the cut is a reset point after a period of trying to secure a niche on a team that already has a defined quarterback hierarchy. For the Cowboys, it tightens the group and narrows the margin for error, because teams rely on their backup quarterback to be ready not only for preparation, but also for continuity during any late-game or in-season scenario that requires a prompt shift from the starter.

The Cowboys’ quarterback room heading into the regular season matters beyond day-to-day depth. When a team places two quarterbacks into a preseason evaluation, the organization is effectively deciding who gives it the best chance to maintain offensive identity if it needs to make a quick adjustment in personnel. The release suggests Dallas will prioritize other players to fill that role going forward.

What to watch next is how the Cowboys finalize their remaining quarterback depth behind Howell and the starter. With Milton now removed from the roster, the team’s next step will be determined by who remains in-house and, if needed, any additional additions made before final roster set points.

For fans, the release also serves as a reminder that preseason competitions are fluid. Quarterback jobs can change quickly as rosters are trimmed and as the coaching staff gets a clearer picture of who can execute the offense with the least disruption when the game situation shifts.