Milton — The 24‑hour waiver period that followed Monday’s roster moves has ended and Joe Milton III now stands as a free agent, eligible to sign with any team’s practice squad after clearing the NFL waiver system, sources say.
Waivers cleared, options open
The former Dallas Cowboys reserve survived the club’s initial roster cut but was waived the following afternoon, triggering the league’s 24‑hour window during which other teams could place a claim. No claim was filed, leaving Milton free to sign with any organisation. That outcome raises questions about his next step: return to Dallas on the practice squad or pursue opportunity elsewhere.
Milton, a third‑year prospect who entered the league as a sixth‑round pick in 2024, spent last season as Dak Prescott’s primary backup after a trade from New England. Coach and staff evaluations during the preseason were positive enough that he initially survived cuts, only to be moved to the waiver wire amid a roster shuffle that included the Cowboys’ claim of running back Emari Demercado.
"The team hopes to bring Milton back by signing him to its practice squad if possible," Cowboys executive vice‑president Stephen Jones said.
Development path and depth chart implications
Inside Dallas, Milton had been developing under the guidance of offensive coaches including Brian Schottenheimer, Klayton Adams and Steve Shimko. That coaching continuity helped him earn time as Prescott’s backup in 2025, though his on‑field snaps were limited — just 51 snaps that season, according to roster reports.
The emergence of veteran free‑agent pickup Sam Howell ultimately altered the depth chart, with Howell installed as the Cowboys’ No. 2 quarterback. Team sources described Milton as effectively demoted to the third QB spot, making him expendable in the club’s final roster math.
- Milton cleared waivers after the 24‑hour claim period expired.
- Cowboys officials indicated a desire to re‑sign him to the practice squad if he cleared.
- Milton has two years remaining on his rookie contract and is considered a developmental option around the league.
What this means for the player and teams
Clearing waivers gives Milton broader control of his next move: he can accept a practice‑squad offer from Dallas or explore other teams that might offer a clearer path to the active roster. Analysts and personnel evaluators will weigh his strong arm and developmental upside against limited game experience — the 26‑year‑old made a single regular‑season appearance with New England before arriving in Dallas.
For the Cowboys, the familiar play is to re‑acquire a waived player on the practice squad when possible, preserving depth while freeing an active roster spot. For other NFL clubs, Milton presents as a late‑round pick with two years left on a rookie deal — a relatively inexpensive developmental quarterback should they choose to pursue him.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 31–Sept. 1 | Milton waived by Dallas after initial cuts |
| 24 hours after waiver | Milton cleared waivers and became a free agent |
Locally, football followers from Milton to the rest of Halton Region who track Canadian players and NFL prospects will watch whether the quarterback returns to Dallas’ practice facility or finds a new home. The next few days will be decisive: practice‑squad deals and claims often move quickly as clubs finalise rosters ahead of Week 1.
For now, Joe Milton III remains available — a developmental arm with NFL game exposure, coaching investment and unanswered questions about where he fits into the league’s quarterback pecking order.
