Dallas Cowboys’ QB Decision Could Spell the End for Joe Milton III’s Future in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys made a significant move in their quarterback depth chart by signing veteran Will Grier to a reserve/future contract on Monday, a decision that could have major ramifications for the future of backup quarterback Joe Milton III. This move comes after the Cowboys cut Milton’s predecessor, Grier, during training camp, but now Grier is back, joining the 90-man offseason roster and potentially competing for a role in 2026. The development has many questioning whether Milton, the $4.2 million backup, will remain in Dallas, especially after a season filled with inconsistency.

Milton, who has struggled in his limited opportunities behind Dak Prescott, was expected to return as the primary backup for the 2026 season, but the addition of Grier gives the Cowboys a familiar and experienced option. This may signal that the team isn’t entirely sold on Milton as their long-term backup quarterback, especially considering his erratic play last season.

Will Grier Returns: A Familiar Face in the QB Room

Grier spent the entire 2025 season as the Cowboys’ practice squad emergency quarterback, and now he’s back with a chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. The veteran quarterback was with the team in 2024, but his role was minimal, serving as the backup behind Prescott. His return brings a level of familiarity to the quarterback room, and his previous experience in Dallas’ system could give him an advantage in the upcoming training camp.

As for Milton, who was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots in April 2025, his role as Prescott’s backup may be in jeopardy. Although Milton earned the backup role after outplaying Grier in preseason, his on-field performance in the regular season left much to be desired.

Milton’s Struggles: Inaccuracy and Inconsistency

Milton’s season as Prescott’s backup was marked by significant struggles, particularly in terms of accuracy. Despite his obvious physical tools and raw talent, Milton failed to demonstrate the consistency needed to be a reliable backup. In four games, Milton completed only 65.2% of his passes — a figure that would have ranked among the worst for qualifying quarterbacks. His inaccuracy became evident in his season finale performance against the New York Giants, where he completed only seven of 13 passes, throwing one interception and posting a passer rating of 38.3 in a 34-17 loss.

While his arm strength has always been impressive, often featured in viral practice videos where he launches the ball 80 yards downfield, his inability to convert that arm strength into consistent, accurate throws has raised questions about his future. This pattern of erratic play, combined with his decision-making issues, has made it clear that Milton’s tools haven’t translated into on-field success, as noted by A to Z Sports Cowboys correspondent Mauricio Rodriguez.

Milton’s Potential as a Practice-Squad QB

Despite the physical gifts that made Milton an enticing prospect for the Cowboys when they acquired him, some analysts believe that his future in Dallas may be limited to a practice squad role. In his only appearance for the Patriots, Milton showed flashes of his potential, including launching the second-fastest pass ever recorded in the NFL at 62 mph during a 2024 season finale. However, his inability to consistently make accurate throws has led many, like The Landry Hat’s Maitland Rutledge, to question whether he’s anything more than a practice-squad quarterback.

“If Dak Prescott is only guaranteed to be on the roster through 2027, Dallas needs to begin evaluating what it truly has behind him,” Rutledge wrote.

Milton’s status on the Cowboys’ roster has become even more uncertain with Grier’s re-signing. While Grier’s addition may not guarantee him a spot on the final roster, it does signal that the Cowboys are seriously evaluating their options behind Prescott. Grier’s experience and familiarity with the team could give him the upper hand in this competition, further decreasing Milton’s chances of securing the backup role.

Joe Milton’s Future in Dallas: What’s Next?

The Cowboys’ decision to re-sign Grier likely signals that the team is not fully confident in Milton as their backup quarterback. With Prescott’s future still somewhat uncertain beyond 2027, Dallas must evaluate its quarterback depth carefully. If Grier outperforms Milton in training camp, the team may choose to move forward with him as the backup, leaving Milton to fight for a spot on the practice squad or potentially find a new team.

While Milton still has time to prove himself, the competition within the quarterback room is heating up. The Cowboys are making moves to ensure they have a reliable backup in place, and if Milton doesn’t show significant improvement, it could mean the end of his time in Dallas. The next few months will be critical for Milton as he attempts to secure his future with the Cowboys or elsewhere.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the quarterback position in Dallas, as the decision between Grier and Milton could determine the future of both players and the team’s plans for depth behind Dak Prescott.