FRISCO, Texas — The Cowboys roster cuts arrived with some surprises as Dallas finalized its 53-man squad for 2026, parting with quarterback Joe Milton, running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, and defensive end Sam Williams, according to team officials. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer called the past two days emotional, noting the goal is to build a roster that can withstand a 17-game season and a playoff push.
Dallas fans in Hawaiʻi, many of whom follow the Cowboys as a popular mainland team, will be watching how the practice squad shapes up as the club weighs potential returns.
Cowboys roster cuts and QB Joe Milton
Schottenheimer praised Milton’s elite arm talent, a trait he once likened to Brett Favre’s, while acknowledging ongoing development in processing and touch. Milton’s preseason numbers reflected progress, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, for a 118.2 rating.
The staff ultimately chose veteran Sam Howell as the No. 2 behind Dak Prescott, citing Howell’s faster processing, command of the playbook and field vision. Howell capped the preseason by going 12 of 18 for 155 yards and two scores against the Saints.
Dallas left the door open for Milton to return on the practice squad if he goes unclaimed, with Schottenheimer saying having him back would be “incredible” given his development in the system.
RBs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah
Drafted in 2025 as potential complementary backs, Blue (fifth round) and Mafah (seventh) could not secure roles, with consistency and special teams value proving decisive. Undrafted veteran Malik Davis outperformed both throughout camp and preseason, contributing on special teams and offering reliable ball security.
Davis has 411 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 90 career carries without a fumble. Mafah, coming off a 2025 shoulder injury, did not break through on special teams.
The team opted for experience behind lead back Javonte Williams, adding Emari Demercado on cutdown day. Demercado previously worked with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams in Arizona and is valued for pass protection and special teams.
Schottenheimer said there was no guarantee of immediate practice-squad spots for Blue or Mafah. By Tuesday, Blue had joined the Eagles’ practice squad.
DE Sam Williams
A 2022 second-round pick, Williams compiled 9.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 85 tackles across the 2022, 2023 and 2025 seasons. He missed 2024 with a torn ACL and re-signed this offseason on a one-year, 2.5 million dollar deal with 2 million guaranteed.
Despite that investment, Dallas released him, a move driven by a crowded edge room after adding Rashan Gary, first-rounder Malachi Lawrence and veteran Von Miller, along with 2025 second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku. Schottenheimer called Williams’ release one of the toughest numbers decisions and praised his performance in the preseason finale versus New Orleans.
Williams quickly found a new team, signing to the Browns’ active roster on Tuesday.
Fantasy players tracking how these moves affect depth charts and potential sleepers can compare them with 2026 fantasy football rankings, busts and risky picks already flagged this preseason. Prescott and the reworked supporting cast will also draw attention from fans in Hawaiʻi who follow both the NFL and official league coverage throughout the regular season.
