FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys announced on Monday that backup quarterback Joe Milton has been waived. The move clears a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from Kansas City.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the decision does not affect the competition for the No. 2 quarterback role, which currently belongs to Sam Howell behind starter Dak Prescott. Milton, who served as the backup last season, could return to the organization on the practice squad.
New tackle joins the competition
In a separate roster move, the Cowboys acquired former Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones in a trade that sent a third‑ and sixth‑round pick in next year’s draft to the Steelers while bringing a fourth‑rounder back to Dallas. Jones, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft, started 38 of 45 games in three seasons with Pittsburgh before missing the final six games of last season due to a neck injury that required season‑ending fusion surgery.
Schottenheimer told the team that Jones will compete with veteran right tackle Terence Steele for the starting spot. “We’re not going to move Broderick around,” the coach said, adding that he respects Steele as a teammate and player. Jones expressed enthusiasm, saying he is “pumped up” and ready to prove himself.
Steele’s recent struggles
Steele, a former undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, has been a reliable starter in the past but his performance has been inconsistent in recent seasons. The Cowboys’ decision to trade for Jones reflects a desire to strengthen the offensive line and provide a fresh option at right tackle.
Milton’s preseason performance was solid in the first two games, though he was less sharp in the final preseason matchup, a 27‑24 loss to New Orleans. Meanwhile, Sam Howell helped the team rally from a 15‑point deficit in that game, highlighting the depth at quarterback.
The Cowboys have not indicated whether Milton will be re‑signed to the practice squad, but the roster moves underscore Dallas’ focus on bolstering both the offensive line and the backfield as the season approaches.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
