Cowboys' Schottenheimer 'Elated' to Retain Joe Milton on Practice Squad

As the Dallas Cowboys finalize their roster for the 2026 NFL season, head coach Brian Schottenheimer can't hide his enthusiasm about a key piece of their depth chart—even if that piece resides on the practice squad. When quarterback Joe Milton cleared waivers and chose to return to Dallas, Schottenheimer described himself as "elated," a sentiment that underscores the organization's belief in the young signal-caller's untapped potential. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this development could prove pivotal as the Cowboys navigate a demanding campaign.

A Rare Talent Worth Protecting

Milton, whose rare combination of size, speed, and a howitzer for an arm, has long intrigued scouts and coaches. Yet, despite flashes of brilliance, he has yet to translate those physical gifts into consistent starting-caliber play. The Cowboys, however, are convinced that his trajectory is upward. "This is a guy that's worked his butt off to get where he is, developed the way he's developed," Schottenheimer said on Friday. "The talent is so rare." That conviction is why Dallas moved quickly to secure his return after waiving him—a calculated gamble that paid off when no other team claimed him.

Navigating the Waiver Wire Gamble

The decision to waive Milton was not without risk. In today's quarterback-hungry league, a player with his physical tools could easily be scooped up. Schottenheimer acknowledged the uncertainty, noting, "Quarterback rooms around the league are pretty crowded right now, but he's certainly talented enough to get claimed. It's our good fortune that he wasn't." The coach, who has experienced professional setbacks himself, empathized with Milton's initial shock but praised his decision to stay in a familiar environment. "When you're waived—I've been fired many times—you're in shock a little bit," Schottenheimer admitted. "Then you step back and start figuring out the positives and negatives. For him to be able to stay here with the relationships he's built, understanding our system, understanding the locker room, the other coaches, we were thrilled to get him back."

Development Over Immediate Gratification

For Milton, the practice squad offers a unique opportunity: continued growth without the immediate pressure of starting. The Cowboys believe that with time and coaching, he can refine his mechanics and decision-making, eventually becoming a reliable NFL quarterback. As highlighted on Vulius, this patient approach mirrors successful development stories across the league, where raw athleticism meets structured mentorship. Schottenheimer remains bullish, stating, "He's going to continue to get better." With the season opener just days away, Dallas fans can take solace in knowing that behind their starter, they have a project with superstar potential—one who chose to stay in the star.