FRISCO, Texas -- Sam Howell will be the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback to Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton III on Monday to make room for running back Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Milton, who served as Prescott's backup in 2025, had an outstanding preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns with 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 before the cut down to the 53-man roster on Sunday. If Milton clears waivers, he could be brought back to the practice squad, but it's not clear whether the Cowboys would bring him back.
Speaking after the Demercado move was official but before the club's decision to release Milton, Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer said the competition between Milton and Howell 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 had a productive preseason too, completing 27 of 40 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He also ran for a score.
If the Cowboys released Howell, they would still be on the hook for his $2 million base salary; and if he had 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 the Washington Commanders in 2022 and 2023. Milton has played in five games across his two campaigns with no starts.
