The Dallas Cowboys have released quarterback Joe Milton as NFL teams continue to finalize their rosters. Milton's departure comes after the Cowboys claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs and opted to keep Sam Howell as the primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott.
Milton, 26, was a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2024 after playing collegiately at Michigan and Tennessee. He made an impact during preseason games and notably secured a start against the Buffalo Bills in January 2025, which affected the Patriots' draft position. He was traded to the Cowboys months later and appeared in four games last season. His release follows a competition for the backup role, which was ultimately won by Howell, a former Washington Commanders starter.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs also made a quarterback move, releasing Chris Oladokun on Sunday. This decision came just months after Oladokun stepped into the starting role following an injury to Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs chose to release the 28-year-old after five seasons with the team, opting to keep rookie Garrett Nussmeier as the third-string quarterback behind Mahomes and new backup Justin Fields.
Oladokun's starting opportunity arose on Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos, after another quarterback, Gardner Minshew, also suffered a season-ending injury. Despite losing his two starts, Oladokun received praise from teammates, including Travis Kelce, for his preparation and professionalism.
Oladokun now joins a list of quarterbacks searching for new teams following roster cutdowns to 53 players. Other notable quarterback moves around the league include the Tennessee Titans cutting Will Levis and the New York Jets releasing Bailey Zappe, who kept Cade Klubnik as Geno Smith's backup. Several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings, have decided to carry four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man rosters.