Dak Prescott’s got a new backup for 2026, Seattle, and it’s a name that should definitely ring a bell for Hawks fans. The Dallas Cowboys reportedly made a surprise move on Monday, releasing quarterback Joe Milton. This decision, straight from ESPN, clears the path for Sam Howell to step in as Prescott’s main backup right at the start of the year. Talk about a shake-up!
The Joe Milton Chapter Closes for the Cowboys
So, the Cowboys decided to pull the plug on Joe Milton. This roster move seems pretty sudden. Dallas apparently waived Milton so they could sign running back Emari Demercado, who had just been released by the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Milton had been the Cowboys’ backup quarterback for the whole past year, ever since they snagged him from the New England Patriots for a 2025 fifth-round pick. During his time there, he barely saw the field, playing in bits and pieces of just four games. His stat line was 15 completions on 24 attempts for 183 yards, a lone touchdown, and two interceptions. Remember, Milton was a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a product of Tennessee. He spent six years in college, splitting time between Michigan and Tennessee, only starting one full season during his redshirt senior year. At Tennessee, he completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,813 yards, tossed 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Solid college numbers, but it just didn’t translate into a long-term backup role in Dallas.
Sam Howell: From Emerald City to Big D
Now, let’s talk about Sam Howell. This dude was a fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s been on a real tour de force across the league! He’s bounced around, spending time with the Commanders, our very own Seattle Seahawks (yeah, you heard that right, he was here!), the Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles. And now, he’s landed in Dallas. For us here in Seattle, knowing a player who’s worn the Seahawks colors is always interesting. It just adds another layer to the story when you see a familiar face pop up in a new uniform. You gotta wonder what each of those stints taught him, especially his time right here in the Emerald City. Now he gets to back up Dak Prescott, a completely different situation from his previous stops.
What This Means for Howell’s NFL Grind
This move is a big deal for Sam Howell personally. It secures his spot on an NFL roster for another season, and as the primary backup for a high-profile team like the Cowboys, that’s no small thing. We’ve seen enough glimpses of his game from his time with various squads, including his stint here, to know he’s got the arm and the talent. It’ll be fascinating to watch how he integrates into the Cowboys’ system and whether he gets any meaningful snaps as the year unfolds. Every stop is a chance to learn and grow. Here’s hoping he grabs this opportunity and shows everyone what he’s truly capable of. You know we’ll be watching!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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