The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to move on from a promising quarterback created plenty of debate before the regular season even began. Now, the situation has taken another turn, leaving Joe Milton III with more control over where he goes next.
This has given fans plenty to discuss, particularly after what he showed during the preseason.
NFL Fans React as Joe Milton III Clears Waivers
Joe Milton III officially cleared waivers without being claimed by another team, making the former Cowboys quarterback an unrestricted free agent.
Dallas waived Milton after claiming running back Emari Demercado, choosing Sam Howell as Dak Prescott’s primary backup despite Milton completing 67.4% of his passes for 378 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions during the preseason.
The Cowboys have indicated they would like Milton back on their practice squad, but clearing waivers means he can now consider offers from any team. This possibility has generated mixed reactions from NFL fans on X.
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One fan questioned why Dallas took the risk while also wondering why the rest of the league passed on Milton, writing, “The Cowboys are stupid, but 31 other teams might be stupider.”
The Cowboys are stupid but 31 other teams might be stupider
— Gavo❗ (@GavoBR) September 1, 2026
Another fan took the joke even further, asking, “Did Jerry Jones blackmail the 31 other teams or what?”
The post mocked how Milton managed to reach free agency without another team stepping in, leaving Dallas with a chance to bring him back.
Did Jerry Jones blackmail the 31 other teams or what?
— BullsNation🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂 (@Lightning771717) September 1, 2026
Not everyone was surprised by the result.
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One fan simply wrote, “Duh this was obvious now he will sign with the practice squad.” With teams reluctant to devote an active roster spot to a developmental quarterback, that outcome was viewed as the most likely path.
Duh this was obvious now he will sign with the practice squad
— PickemNick (@pickemnick) September 1, 2026
Another supporter took a harsher view of the league’s evaluation, posting, “The league is saying he is worse than Tua. Woof.”
The comment was clearly exaggerated, but it reflected frustration over Milton receiving no waiver claim after his preseason showing.
The league is saying he is worse than Tua. Woof.
— Pick Sanchez (@ManiaPick) September 1, 2026
The reactions then turned toward humor. One fan posted, “Joe Milton to LSU confirmed.” Another summed up the situation bluntly: “This is so dumb.”
This is so dumb
— Payson (@PaysonBurks) September 1, 2026
Milton can now choose his next destination. Dallas remains a logical landing spot because the Cowboys want him back, while the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Chargers were identified as possible fits for his physical tools and developmental upside.
Now, Dallas, a team that ranked seventh in PFN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric for 2025, will have to convince Milton that returning to the Cowboys is his best option rather than simply expecting him to come back.
