Joe Milton’s time with the Dallas Cowboys is over, at least for now.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Cowboys released the former Tennessee quarterback on Monday afternoon after keeping three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. Milton was waived in the move.
Milton arrived in Dallas in April 2025, when the Patriots dealt him to the Cowboys after he had played in just one game for New England. A sixth-round pick by New England in the 2024 draft, Milton had spent the first three seasons of his college career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee from 2021-23.
His stint with the Cowboys was limited, but he did get onto the field in four games last season. In those appearances, Milton attempted 24 passes, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions.
He also flashed enough this preseason to keep himself in the conversation. Milton threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns in the 2026 preseason while completing 29 of 43 passes. That production could be enough to catch the attention of another NFL team.
For now, though, Dallas is moving ahead with Sam Howell as the only backup to Dak Prescott, at least for the moment. If Milton clears waivers, there is still a path back to the Cowboys’ practice squad.
At Tennessee, Milton’s résumé was much bigger. He played in 29 games over three seasons with the Vols and started 16 of them, including all 12 games in 2023. That season, he passed for 2,769 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions, and he added 292 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.
As Milton searches for his next NFL home, Tennessee is trying to make a move of its own in the SEC. The Kalshi market is currently tracking the Vols’ chances to make a major jump and win the conference in 2026.
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