The Dallas Cowboys have made a surprising change to their quarterback room before the regular season begins.
Joe Milton III looked like a strong candidate to remain with the team after an impressive preseason, but Dallas still decided to move on. The decision has led to questions about how the Cowboys evaluated their backup options.
Now, a former All-Pro wide receiver is questioning the move.
Roddy White Questions Cowboys’ Decision to Waive Joe Milton
The Cowboys waived Milton on August 31, just one day after he made their initial 53-man roster. His departure came after a preseason in which he completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Milton also ranked seventh among all quarterbacks in the preseason with a 77.9 QB Impact Score. These numbers made the decision harder to understand for some observers, particularly with veteran Sam Howell ultimately earning the backup job behind Dak Prescott, who ranked just outside the top five in PFN NFL QB Impact last season.
Former All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White voiced his frustration on X after news of Milton’s release. White questioned why Dallas would move on from a quarterback who had performed so well during the exhibition schedule.
White wrote, “How the hell joe Milton get cut he literally dominated the whole preseason. Sam Howell is trash like dumpster trash.”
White’s criticism focused on the contrast between Milton’s preseason production and the Cowboys’ final decision. Milton finished with more passing yards and fewer interceptions than Howell, while both quarterbacks threw three touchdown passes.
Howell, however, brought something Milton could not match, and that is regular-season experience. He has started 18 NFL games, giving Dallas a veteran option behind Prescott if the Cowboys need their backup to handle meaningful snaps.
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The Cowboys also had financial considerations when making the decision. Howell signed a one-year contract with $2.5 million guaranteed, making his place on the roster more difficult to dismiss. Dallas ultimately chose experience and its existing financial commitment over Milton’s upside.
The move does not necessarily mean Milton’s NFL opportunity is over. Because Dallas waived him rather than releasing him outright, he must first clear the waiver process before becoming a free agent. If he goes unclaimed, the Cowboys have expressed interest in bringing him back on the practice squad.
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That possibility could disappear quickly, though. Milton’s preseason performance gives other teams a reason to examine him, especially after he showed strong arm talent and protected the football throughout his exhibition appearances.
Milton’s best performance came against the Arizona Cardinals, when he threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns in one half. He also added a rushing touchdown during the preseason, further showcasing his ability to create plays with his arm and legs.
Dallas now approaches the regular season with Howell behind Prescott, while Milton waits to learn where his next opportunity will come. For White and others who saw enough from Milton during the preseason, the Cowboys’ decision remains difficult to justify.
