The Dallas Cowboys have completed their 53-man roster, resulting in unexpected cuts that caught the attention of fans and analysts. Among those released was Joe Milton III, who had served as the team's No. 2 quarterback during the 2025 season. Despite his promising preseason performance, Milton did not secure a spot on the roster.
Additionally, fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue was cut and has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, emphasizing the human element involved in releasing players. He stated that the team's overall vision must take priority. Schottenheimer's approach marks a departure from previous strategies, focusing on consistency and performance over raw talent. Malik Davis earned the RB2 position after demonstrating greater reliability compared to Blue and Phil Mafah.
In a notable shift, Schottenheimer chose Sam Howell as the backup quarterback over Milton, citing Howell's trustworthiness. The Cowboys' defense has also seen significant changes under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is implementing a collaborative strategy rather than relying on a single standout player.
The revamped defense will feature Quinnen Williams, supported by players like Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia, along with a promising secondary led by Caleb Downs and new additions Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant. The Cowboys are entering the season with a roster that reflects Schottenheimer's vision for the future.
