The Dallas Cowboys shocked the NFL world when they decided to release Joe Milton, opting for Sam Howell as their backup to Dak Prescott. Milton shined in the preseason, outperforming most quarterbacks statistically, and showed real growth from year one to two in Dallas’ offense.
So why did Dallas opt for Howell over Milton? Brian Schottenheimer spoke on it today during his press conference, hoping to answer the questions surrounding the move.
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Why the Cowboys chose Sam Howell as their backup quarterback – Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com
At the
end of the day, Howell does have more experience than Milton at the NFL level.
“I think when we looked at the whole body of work, we just felt like Sam had done a little bit more in terms of executing the offense in certain areas,” Schottenheimer said. “To have Joe Milton back would be incredible, we’ll see what happens with the claims, and then see what he wants to do. We’ve shown that we know how to develop him. I think him being in this system for another year would be amazing, but I also know that he should have choices. And so, we’ll see what happens, but in terms of wanting [Milton] back, absolutely.”
Joe Milton Goes Unclaimed On Waivers as Cowboys Eye QB for Practice Squad – Paul Kasabian, Bleacher Report
Will the Cowboys sign Milton back to the practice squad, or will he opt to sign elsewhere?
Although the Dallas Cowboys waived quarterback Joe Milton, both COO/co-owner Stephen Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed significant interest in having the signal-caller back in the mix via the practice squad.
Jones made his remarks on the DLLS Cowboys podcast, and Schottenheimer revealed his feelings to reporters during his Tuesday press conference.
Emari Demercado returns ‘home’ to Dallas, has reason to be excited with Cowboys – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
The Cowboys newest running back has familiarity with OC Klayton Adams.
He will also be placed, once again, under the watchful eye of Klayton Adams, the former Cardinals’ offensive line coach turned Cowboys’ offensive coordinator keenly responsible for crafting the rushing attack for Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. Adams immediately called Demercado once the trade was made official, and the elation is palpable from both player and coach.
“Klay’s my guy,” he said of Adams. “As soon as my agent called me and told me it was Dallas, I just immediately thought about Klayton. And then he called me. I’m super excited to work with him again.
Michael Irvin giving Dallas Cowboys 10 more years to prove they’re still America’s Team – Brandon Contes, Awful Announcing
To Michael Irvin’s point, a whole generation of Cowboys fans have never seen their favorite team in a Championship game.
“There’s some credence to what they’re saying,” Irvin admitted. “We cannot remain America’s Team if a whole generation of Americans never see us in a championship game. And in 10 more years – the bible calls 40 years a generation – we would have missed a whole damn generation. So the time is now.”
Broderick Jones ‘pumped’ for fresh start with Cowboys, reunion with George Pickens – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
The former first-round pick is happy the Cowboys have a plan for him at just right tackle.
It goes without saying that Jones, also making it known exactly how thrilled he is to know the Cowboys will set him at right tackle and leave him there, feels exactly the same way as Pickens.
“I’m pumped up, man. I’m just pumped up, you know?” he said. “They made it clear where they want me. I just gotta do my part and show up.”
Making sense of Cowboys’ surprising roster cuts ahead of 2026 season: Joe Milton, Jaydon Blue and more – Garrett Podell, CBS Sports
It feels like Dallas opted for players who can contribute now rather than developmental guys.
RBs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah
Now, both are gone for reasons that fall under the umbrella of “consistency” that Schottenheimer stresses his players possess. Both ended up being outworked in training camp and the preseason by undrafted veteran Malik Davis, with Davis showcasing his value not only as a runner but also on special teams. Last season, Davis spent some time as the punt protector while also being a factor in other phases of special teams.
Daily discussion question: What is your biggest concern with the roster?
