Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 23

Joe Milton Throws for 179 Yards in Cowboys Backup QB Battle as Sam Howell Picks Off

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 23

Joe Milton Throws for 179 Yards in Cowboys Backup QB Battle as Sam Howell Picks Off

Q: If Dallas gambles by sending their explosive preseason star to the practice squad, which rival NFL team is waiting to steal him away?

The most obvious team to watch is the **New England Patriots**. Milton came to Dallas from New England in a 2025 trade, and if the Cowboys try to sneak him onto the practice squad, any team can claim him for its 53-man roster. The Patriots would make sense as a poaching threat because they already know his skill set, arm talent and developmental profile. That risk is part of why Dallas’ quarterback decision is tricky. ESPN’s Todd Archer projected Milton as a possible practice-squad candidate because Sam Howell offers more experience and command behind Dak Prescott. But Milton’s preseason breakout against Arizona — two touchdown passes, a rushing score and 179 first-half yards — only increases the chance that another club would put in a claim. No reporting in the material names a single team that is definitively “waiting” to take him. Still, based on the available evidence, New England is the clearest rival suitor if Dallas exposes Milton to waivers or leaves him vulnerable via the practice-squad route.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 23

Joe Milton strengthened his case for Dallas' No. 2 quarterback job by going 9-of-13 for 179 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason game against Arizona.
Sam Howell followed with a quieter 7-of-10 for 65 yards and an interception, giving Milton another strong showing after he also impressed in the preseason opener.
Brian Schottenheimer said the competition remains open despite praising Milton for "two good halves," adding the Cowboys still have "a lot of confidence" in Howell.
Milton, who joined Dallas late in the 2025 preseason, said he feels a "major difference" from a year ago as the Cowboys near a decision behind starter Dak Prescott.