Joe Milton III said the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to release him last week caught him off guard after a preseason that left many believing he had earned the backup quarterback role.
The move also surprised people around the NFL. Trade interest in Milton had circulated, and when no deal materialized, most expected him to remain on the Cowboys roster.
Milton completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns during the preseason. He finished with a 126.0 passer rating and was not sacked.
He thought his spot as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dak Prescott was secure.
“Yeah, it was shocking. But it’s life. You got to be able to live with it and roll with it and deliver blows back whenever it’s time,” Milton said.
The Cowboys cut him on a Monday, after most clubs had already finished roster decisions and filled backup quarterback openings.
That timing limited his options elsewhere. Signing to the Cowboys practice squad became the most practical path forward.
Milton said existing relationships played a part in his choice to return.
“Somewhat, but not really,” Milton said. “I have a lot of relationships here and guys I trust with my development. I got Dak in my room. A lot of places don’t have a true vet that have been playing, starting in this league since they got in. Having him in the room is just one of those ways that I know I’ll be taken care of as far as my knowledge and my development of the game.”
This is Milton’s third NFL season. New England drafted him, and Dallas acquired him in a trade last year. He made the active roster last season. In the offseason the Cowboys signed veteran Sam Howell to a one-year, $2.5 million contract to provide a more experienced backup.
The addition appeared to motivate Milton. He had a strong camp and showed progress in operating the offense and making decisions.
The team still selected Howell as the backup.
“It’s a part of the business,” Milton said. “I’ve been in this situation before. I’ve been through it before, so I know what to do and what to get myself prepared for. Also, you just got to be ready when your name is called. It’s a long season, 17 games, and hopefully we go to the Super Bowl. You never know what’s going to happen. You just got to be ready.”
Prescott said he intended to support Milton after the release and keep him focused on development.
“For me, it’s just about being the right leader and the right brother for him, giving him everything he needs and make sure that he’s not pissed off. I mean, I’m sure he’s pissed off, but doesn’t allow that competition and him not getting what he wants to derail his overall growth and just the progression and the route trajectory that he’s ultimately on and just staying on that,” Prescott said.
By the time Milton met with reporters, he came across as composed.He pointed to the length of the season and the chance that circumstances could change quickly.
