The Seattle Seahawks find themselves assessing quarterback depth after starter Sam Darnold left the club’s season opener with a hip injury, and among the names surfacing is Joe Milton, the former Dallas Cowboys sixth-round pick currently on Dallas’ practice squad.
Immediate need for a third option
In Seattle’s 13-10 win over the New England Patriots, Darnold exited with a hip issue and was replaced by Drew Lock, who guided a late comeback. Lock will remain the immediate starter while the Seahawks monitor Darnold’s recovery, but the injury exposed a thin margin behind him. Jalen Milroe, Seattle’s third-round pick and the team’s emergency QB3 on the day, was inactive for the opener, leaving the club to weigh external additions if Darnold’s absence extends.
That shortfall is where Milton’s name has arisen. He was released by the Cowboys at final cuts and re-signed to their practice squad. NFL roster rules would allow Seattle to sign him off Dallas’ practice squad, but the acquiring team would be required to place him on its active roster for a minimum of three games.
What Milton brings and what remains uncertain
Milton is regarded as a raw prospect with physical tools — chiefly arm strength and athleticism — but limited NFL experience. Across two seasons he has appeared in five games and logged modest cumulative numbers. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly outlined Milton’s development trajectory, praising his growth while acknowledging the work remaining for him to secure a regular roster spot.
“I think you see Joe learning is he’s playing quarterback. And he’s playing quarterback at a high level,” Schottenheimer said, via Bleacher Report. “He’s checking the ball down. He’s making blitz adjustments. He’s solving problems. He’s reading from his first, second to third, and even fourth progression at times. It takes time. You don’t stop learning as a quarterback. The only way to do it is to play. I’m really, really proud of him.”
Those comments underline why teams might view Milton as a developmental upside pickup rather than an immediate, proven veteran replacement. The Seahawks could instead pursue more experienced hands should they prefer stability behind Lock.
Other names and the market
National coverage has flagged several other potential options should Seattle choose to supplement its quarterback room. Among those discussed are seasoned veterans with substantial starting experience and others who are available after recent roster moves. Reported names include:
- Jimmy Garoppolo — a veteran with 64 career starts whose recent retirement status would complicate any immediate return, but who brings far more experience than Milton;
- Will Levis — a former second-round pick who has been cut in recent months and could be on the market;
- Other free agents or practice-squad lift options — teams typically evaluate a short list when a starter is hurt early in the season.
For Seattle, the decision will balance short-term availability and experience against longer-term upside. Signing Milton would provide a young, developmental arm with mobility and a strong throw, but it would also require committing an active roster spot for several games.
Local angle and what Milton fans in Milton can watch for
For residents of Milton and the surrounding region who follow NFL roster moves, the coming days will be instructive. If Seattle makes a play for Milton, the transaction would move him off Dallas’ practice squad and onto an active roster where he could be exposed to gameday preparation in a new environment. If the Seahawks instead pursue a veteran, Milton could remain in Dallas’ system waiting for another opportunity.
| Metric | Milton (NFL totals) |
|---|---|
| Games played | 5 |
| Passing yards | 424 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Those figures make clear why teams view Milton as a project: he has limited live-game tape but some flashes that encourage coaches to keep evaluating him. Any move will be subject to league transaction rules and the strategic preferences of the Seahawks coaching staff.
As the season unfolds, Milton’s situation will serve as a microcosm of how NFL clubs balance immediate needs with player development. For now, Milton remains on Dallas’ practice squad; Seattle’s decision-making and Darnold’s injury timeline will determine whether a change is imminent.
