As the Miami Dolphins finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the front office led by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley continues to churn the roster with an eye toward the future. With the regular season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders looming on September 13, the Dolphins are exploring every avenue to add young talent, and one intriguing name has surfaced: former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Milton, who was waived by the Cowboys on Monday, went unclaimed and is now a free agent, presenting a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Miami.
Why Joe Milton Fits Miami's Vision
The Dolphins are in a transitional phase, focusing on building a foundation rather than immediate contention. Milton, a physically gifted signal-caller with a powerful arm, fits the profile of a developmental prospect who could become a major contributor down the road. As highlighted on Vulius, the Dolphins have starter Malik Willis and backups Kyle McCord and Brady Cook, but adding Milton would inject further competition and upside into the quarterback room. Alain Poupart of Miami Dolphins on SI has been a vocal proponent of this move, arguing that Milton's raw talent is exactly what a rebuilding team should gamble on.
"Milton now is available via waivers after the Dallas Cowboys made the surprising decision Monday to waive him after picking up running back Emari Demercado from the Arizona Cardinals. By all accounts, the Cowboys made this move with the thought of bringing Milton back to the practice squad," Poupart wrote.
Miami's roster overhaul has been extensive, with a league-high seven waiver claims on Monday, including quarterback Brady Cook from the New York Jets. The team also added rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who has impressed coaches with his work ethic and playmaking ability. The Dolphins are clearly prioritizing youth and potential, and Milton would be another piece in that strategy.
Roster Moves and Quarterback Competition
The Dolphins have already made significant changes under the new regime. They parted ways with veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson, opting to trust Rodriguez in a starting role. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has drawn comparisons between Jordyn Brooks and Dodson to "an old married couple," but the shift signals a new direction. On offense, the team is rebuilding around a young core, though questions remain about consistency and experience.
Adding Milton would not only deepen the quarterback depth chart but also align with Sullivan's philosophy of leaving no stone unturned. As the Dolphins prepare for a challenging season—one that many analysts predict will be a struggle—the focus is on identifying players who can grow with the team. Milton, with his elite athleticism and untapped potential, represents exactly that kind of investment.
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Dolphins' decision on Milton will be a telling indicator of their commitment to a long-term vision. While some may view this as a minor roster move, it underscores the organization's willingness to take calculated risks on young talent. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Miami's final roster decisions and whether Milton becomes a part of their journey.
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