Cowboys Name Sam Howell QB2, Waive Joe Milton After 378-Yard Preseason

Sam Howell secured the backup role behind Dak Prescott as the Dallas Cowboys waived Joe Milton III to sign running back Emari Demercado.

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys officially designated Sam Howell as the primary backup to Dak Prescott on Monday, following the release of quarterback Joe Milton III. This roster shuffle coincided with the acquisition of running back Emari Demercado, who joined the team after being claimed off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals. Milton exits the roster despite an efficient preseason performance where he completed 29 of 43 pass attempts for 378 yards, recording three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Howell, who signed a one-year contract featuring $2.5 million in guaranteed money, secured his spot after a preseason campaign that saw him complete 27 of 40 passes. His statistical output included 314 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a rushing score. The financial structure of Howell's deal influenced the decision, as a release would have left the franchise responsible for his $2 million base salary. Furthermore, any attempt to move him to the practice squad would have resulted in that salary counting in addition to his existing guaranteed figures.

Roster Adjustments and Waiver Moves

The decision to waive Milton occurred on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 4:13 PM ET, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Prior to the final 53-man roster deadline on Sunday, the organization engaged in trade discussions regarding Milton but ultimately moved forward with the waiver process. If the young quarterback clears the waiver wire, the Cowboys maintain the option to re-sign him to their practice squad.

Emari Demercado arrives in Dallas to fill the vacancy created by Milton's departure. Coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the media following the official addition of the former Cardinals running back but prior to the announcement of Milton's release. Schottenheimer described the roster situation as fluid, noting that the team was still piecing the puzzle together regarding the quarterback depth chart.

Comparing Quarterback Experience and Stats

Experience served as a primary differentiator between the two competitors for the QB2 role. Sam Howell brings 18 career NFL starts to the position, all of which occurred during the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Washington Commanders. In contrast, Joe Milton III has appeared in five career games over two years but has never started a professional contest.

Milton served as the backup to Prescott during the 2025 season. Despite his release, team officials noted the significant jump he made in his understanding of the offensive system and highlighted his improved accuracy during recent months. During the preseason, Milton maintained a completion percentage of 67.4%, while Howell finished with a 67.5% completion rate.

Financial and Practice Squad Implications

The Cowboys' front office faced specific salary cap constraints regarding Howell's $2.5 million guarantee. Had the team opted to keep Milton over Howell, the financial obligation to Howell would have remained on the books. The club's evaluation of the backup position remained competitive throughout the summer, with the coaching staff monitoring the production of both athletes until the final Monday cuts.

Milton’s preseason yardage total of 378 exceeded Howell’s 314 yards, though Howell’s ability to contribute on the ground with a rushing touchdown added a different dimension to his production. The team now moves forward with Howell as the immediate relief for Prescott, while Milton's future with the organization depends on whether another NFL franchise claims his contract within the waiver period.