NFL fans react as Cowboys release “THEIR BEST QB” ahead of Week 1 of 2026 season

The Dallas Cowboys have made a stunning roster move on the day after final roster cuts.

On Monday, the NFC East franchise was reported to be releasing Joe Milton. The third-year quarterback had come to Arlington last season via trade from the New England Patriots, who had drafted him in the sixth round out of Tennessee via Michigan in 2024.

There was much surprise at the news from fans:

Across three preseason games, Milton completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns against no interceptions. He also rushed 12 times for an additional 14 yards and one score.

Following Saturday’s finale win at the Arizona Cardinals, he said:

“There’s a lot more to our offense that we’re able to do, change as the quarterback position. You’re able to do all that, you’re able to make sure that your points are right, make sure the way you’re reading the play is correct. Just being able to go through that process of a whole year being in this offense to now, it’s great.”

The move frees up a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, whom the Cowboys claimed off waivers the same day after his release from the Cardinals. It also means that Sam Howell will enter the season as the backup behind Dak Prescott.

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4 ideal landing spots for Joe Milton after Cowboys release QB

Immediately reacting to the news of Joe Milton’s departure from the Cowboys, A to Z Sports’ Craig Smith gave four possible landing spots for him.

The first is the Miami Dolphins, who are coming off replacing Quinn Ewers with Kyle McCord via trades. Those moves have arguably depleted the depth behind new starter Malik Willis, and Milton provides both experience and athleticism in the running game.

Next on the list is the Atlanta Falcons. Presumed starter Tua Tagovailoa had a tumultuous preseason marred by fumbling issues, while Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a back injury.

The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns also received mentions. In East Rutherford, rookie Cade Klubnik is the only person who can threaten Geno Smith’s job security, while the highly dup of unpopular Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders could be early candidates to be dumped should they perform poorly.

Edited by Andre Castillo