The Dallas Cowboys released quarterback Joe Milton on Monday, a response to clear a roster space in order to claim RB Emari Demercado, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, off the waiver wire. That sent the fan favorite to the waiver wire himself, able to be claimed by any of the other 31 teams.
It appears the Cowboys front office made a masterful gambit, keeping him on the initial 53-man roster, waiting for the dust to settle for teams looking for QB help, and then placing him on the wire.
Clubs basically had 24 hours to put in a claim, but none did, making Milton a free agent.
Former Cowboys QB Joe Milton cleared waivers today and is now a free agent. pic.twitter.com/63FzBtW57X
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2026
That the club decided to part ways with Milton was a stunning reversal
from how things felt just a week ago. Milton was highly impressive in the club's first two preseason games. Many in the media and the fanbase thought he had locked up the QB2 role with his performances against Seattle and Arizona, but a less-than-stellar performance in the finale against the Saints brought questions to the early anointing.
Sam Howell, who the club signed this offseaoson to compete with Milton to be Dak Prescott's backup, was impressive in Week 1, and again when he came in for relief of Milton against New Orleans.
The Cowboys front office has indicated they'd be interested in adding Milton to their practice squad, but Milton is free to join any team's squad as he is no longer under any control.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys QB Joe Milton clears waivers, here's what's next
