Cowboys release Joe Milton in surprise quarterback shakeup

The Cowboys have a new running back among their ranks and a change in their quarterback depth chart.

Dallas claimed Emari Demercado off waivers on Monday from the Chiefs, helping to fill a position of need for the Cowboys after they cut Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah on Sunday. Monday’s addition came at the expense of quarterback Joe Milton, who was waived in a corresponding move.

Milton had a good showing in the preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns and served as the backup in 2025.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Milton came to Dallas ahead of the 2025 season in a trade with the Patriots, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2024, after his relationship with New England soured and he was buried on the depth chart behind draft classmate Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett.

ESPN reported that the Cowboys had engaged in some trade conversations prior to the roster cutdown.

The Cowboys had just one running back — Malik Davis — behind starter Javonte Williams.  

Demercado started his NFL career with the Cardinals, spending three seasons with them before signing with the Chiefs this offseason.

In his three NFL seasons, Demercado rushed 126 times for 819 yards and three touchdowns. He tacked on 50 receptions for 324 yards and a receiving touchdown. 

One of his most notable moments in the NFL came this past season, but it’s likely one that Demercado would forget about. 

During a game against the Titans in October, he had run for what he thought would be a touchdown, but instead wound up changing the course of the game in favor of Tennessee. 

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado (25) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of a game on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He dropped the ball before he crossed the goal line and negated what would have given the Cardinals a 27-6 lead. 

The play led to the Titans storming back to win the game by one. 

Ex-Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon got into Demercado’s face after the error, and it led to a $100,000 fine being handed down to the coach by the team.