In a surprising move that has caught the attention of NFL fans and analysts alike, the Dallas Cowboys have selected Sam Howell as their backup quarterback, opting to release Joe Milton. This decision comes after Milton delivered an impressive performance during the preseason, where he outshone many of his peers statistically and demonstrated significant improvement in his second year within the Cowboys' offensive system.
During a press conference, Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer addressed the rationale behind this decision. He emphasized Howell's greater experience at the NFL level as a key factor. "When we looked at the whole body of work, we just felt like Sam had done a little bit more in terms of executing the offense in certain areas," Schottenheimer stated. This suggests that while Milton showed promise, the coaching staff ultimately felt Howell was better suited to step in if needed.
Despite being waived, Milton's future with the Cowboys may not be entirely over. Both Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' COO and co-owner, and Schottenheimer expressed their desire to bring Milton back into the fold, potentially on the practice squad. Jones mentioned this on the DLLS Cowboys podcast, indicating that the team values Milton's development and contributions. Schottenheimer echoed these sentiments during his Tuesday press conference, highlighting the team's commitment to nurturing talent within their system.
The Cowboys' decision to release Milton, who had been a standout in training camp, reflects a broader strategy of prioritizing immediate contributions over long-term development. The team seems to be focusing on players who can make an impact right away, especially as they aim for a successful season with Dak Prescott leading the charge as the starting quarterback.
As the Cowboys navigate their roster decisions, they also welcomed new running back Emari Demercado, who has expressed excitement about reuniting with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. Demercado, who has familiarity with Adams from previous experiences, is eager to contribute to the Cowboys' rushing attack. His enthusiasm reflects the team's broader efforts to enhance their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Cowboys have made other roster moves that have raised eyebrows, including the release of running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. These decisions underscore the team's commitment to consistency and performance, as both players were outperformed during training camp by undrafted veteran Malik Davis, who has shown his value not only as a runner but also on special teams.
As the Cowboys continue to refine their roster ahead of the season, the spotlight will remain on Howell and the team's overall strategy. With the NFL season approaching, fans are eager to see how these decisions will play out on the field, particularly in a highly competitive NFC East division.
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