When Backup QBs Become Trade Bait

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to waive quarterback Joe Milton III and name Sam Howell his backup raises more questions than answers about the team’s quarterback depth chart. The move seems straightforward on the surface: give young players some playing time and see if they can make an impact. However, scratch beneath that surface and you’ll find a complex story of roster management, salary cap considerations, and football politics.

Milton’s preseason performance was impressive. He completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, particularly notable given he was playing as Prescott’s backup. The Cowboys praised his growth in understanding the offense and improved accuracy, suggesting that Milton might be more than just a competent fill-in.

Ultimately, this decision is about roster management and salary cap gymnastics rather than football talent. With Demercado’s arrival, the Cowboys are likely looking to shed dead weight to free up space for other signings or re-signings. Given Milton’s relatively low cap hit of $1.5 million, it’s not surprising he became a casualty of this roster juggling act.

This move raises questions about the team’s long-term plans at quarterback. Will Prescott finally get the push he needs to take his game to the next level? Or is this just another example of the Cowboys’ inability to trust anyone but their franchise QB? The NFL’s emphasis on young, cheap talent means it’s only a matter of time before teams jettison established veterans in favor of shiny new toys.

The decision also reflects broader trends shaping the NFL landscape. With the salary cap set to balloon in the coming years, teams will be forced to get creative with their roster construction. We’re already seeing players like Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson being traded for large sums – what happens when the cap really starts to grow? Will we see more teams abandoning ship on established QBs in favor of cheaper alternatives?

Milton’s future is uncertain, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he pops up again as a practice squad pickup or even a starter somewhere down the line. The old saying goes: “the only constant is change” – and in the NFL, that’s especially true when it comes to quarterback situations.

This move by the Cowboys might seem like just another cog in the machine of roster management, but it speaks to a larger truth about the way teams are navigating the modern NFL landscape. With the cap growing, young talent flooding the market, and established veterans getting shunted aside, it’s only a matter of time before we see more teams making tough decisions like this one. And when that happens, you can bet on the Cowboys being right in the thick of it.

As for now, Sam Howell gets his chance to shine – but at what cost?