Locked On Cowboys Hit - Quick Takes on the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys made a shocking quarterback decision, cutting Joe Milton just one day after keeping three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit, host James Duncan breaks down why Dallas waived Milton, what his impressive preseason performance means, and whether the Cowboys made the right decision by choosing running back depth over QB3.

Milton finished the preseason completing 29-of-43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, making his release even more surprising. With Dak Prescott established as QB1 and Sam Howell seemingly favored as the immediate backup, Dallas ultimately chose to make room for Emari Demercado after claiming the running back off waivers.

But the biggest twist is that the Cowboys reportedly want Milton back.

After Milton cleared waivers, Dallas has the opportunity to bring him back on the practice squad. James breaks down whether Milton should return to Dallas, what his developmental upside means for the Cowboys, and whether the former fifth-round acquisition could find a better opportunity elsewhere with a clearer path to becoming QB2.

Plus, what does this move mean for the Cowboys’ roster construction, running back depth and the future of the quarterback room?

Cowboys Nation — if you were Joe Milton, would you return to Dallas or choose another team with a better opportunity to become QB2?

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The Dallas Cowboys have made their final 53-man roster decision—and one of the biggest surprises is that Dallas is keeping THREE quarterbacks. Dak Prescott, Joe Milton and Sam Howell all made the roster, but the decision to keep Howell is raising a major question around Cowboys Nation: Was keeping a third quarterback worth sacrificing depth at other positions?

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down the Dallas Cowboys' surprising decision to keep Sam Howell, the ongoing QB2 debate between Howell and Joe Milton, and the roster moves that could leave Dallas vulnerable at running back.

Dak Prescott remains the Cowboys' starting quarterback, but the real intrigue is behind him. Joe Milton has generated significant excitement with his size, arm strength, mobility and preseason production, while Howell brings NFL starting experience and another layer of insurance at the most important position in football.

But keeping both means Dallas is carrying three quarterbacks on a 53-man roster.

And that roster spot has to come from somewhere.

Players such as Jaydon Blue and Michael Trigg are among the notable names left on the outside, while Dallas enters the season with just Javonte Williams and Malik Davis at running back. Does that make running back the Cowboys' biggest remaining weakness? Could Dallas be forced to add another back before the regular season? And did the Cowboys make the right decision prioritizing quarterback depth over another position?

James Duncan also examines the bigger roster picture, including a defense led by stars such as Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Von Miller. While Dallas has plenty of talent at the top of the depth chart, questions remain about linebacker and cornerback depth—and injuries could put that depth to the test quickly.

The Cowboys' 53-man roster may be set, but the roster-building isn't necessarily finished.

Was keeping Sam Howell worth the roster spot? Would you rather have three quarterbacks or another running back? And if Dallas makes ONE more move before Week 1, which position should Jerry Jones address?

Cowboys Nation, YOU'RE THE GM: keep Sam Howell, or use his roster spot somewhere else?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast with James Duncan for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, roster breakdowns, QB battles, Dak Prescott analysis, NFL news, player evaluations and everything surrounding America's Team.

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The Dallas Cowboys have revealed their 53-man roster, and the decisions are already sparking major questions around Cowboys Nation. One of the biggest surprises is the decision to move on from Jaydon Blue, while Dallas also keeps three quarterbacks and makes several unexpected moves at running back and wide receiver.

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down the Dallas Cowboys' final 53-man roster and examines the biggest surprises, toughest cuts and potential moves still to come before the regular season.

The running back room is where the shock begins. Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda are all out, leaving Javonte Williams and Malik Davis at the center of Dallas' backfield. Blue had been one of the most intriguing young players in the Cowboys' preseason, making his release one of the most difficult decisions to understand.

So why did Dallas make the move?

One major factor could be the numbers game created by another surprising decision: the Cowboys are keeping three quarterbacks. Dak Prescott remains the starter, while Joe Milton and Sam Howell both survive the final roster cut. Keeping three quarterbacks means Dallas has fewer roster spots available elsewhere—and the running back room appears to have paid the price.

Could the decision to keep three quarterbacks ultimately lead Dallas toward a running back trade? Is Malik Davis now more important than ever? And did the Cowboys make the right call moving on from Jaydon Blue?

The wide receiver room also delivered a major surprise.

CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and KaVontae Turpin headline a six-man group that includes both Jonathan Mingo and preseason breakout Camden Brown. After Brown's explosive preseason performances and Mingo's big-play ability, Dallas found a way to keep both players while moving on from veterans such as Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Denzel Mims.

That creates a fascinating new identity for the Cowboys offense.

Dallas has invested in youth, explosiveness and upside—but those decisions came with some painful cuts.

James Duncan breaks down the biggest winners, losers and surprises from the Cowboys' final 53-man roster and asks what these decisions mean for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys Nation, which roster move surprised you the MOST? Was cutting Jaydon Blue the right decision? Should Dallas have kept four running backs? And was keeping three quarterbacks worth sacrificing depth elsewhere?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast with James Duncan for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, roster breakdowns, NFL analysis, player evaluations, breaking updates and everything surrounding America's Team.

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The Dallas Cowboys have a wide receiver problem—and it's the kind of problem every NFL team wants. Jonathan Mingo and Camden Brown have both made compelling cases for the final 53-man roster, but if Dallas only has room for one, who deserves the spot?

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down one of the Cowboys' most difficult roster decisions: Jonathan Mingo vs. Camden Brown.

Camden Brown has gone from undrafted rookie to one of the biggest surprises of the Dallas Cowboys preseason. Through his first two preseason games, Brown produced five catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an incredible 27.8 yards per reception. His explosive plays against Seattle and Arizona have made him increasingly difficult to ignore.

Brown's case isn't simply about preseason hype. He's shown the ability to make contested catches, create explosive plays and give the Cowboys offense another vertical threat. But the biggest question may come on cutdown day: If Dallas releases Camden Brown, can the Cowboys realistically expect him to clear waivers and return to the practice squad?

Then there's Jonathan Mingo.

Mingo brings something completely different to the Cowboys' wide receiver competition. Dallas acquired the former second-round pick with significant NFL experience, size, physicality and potential special-teams value. He also exploded against Arizona with two catches for 62 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown, proving that Mingo can make the same kind of explosive plays that have put Brown in the spotlight.

So this isn't simply a battle between a talented rookie and a struggling veteran.

It's a genuine roster-building debate.

Camden Brown is the exciting new playmaker. Jonathan Mingo is the player Dallas has already invested in.

James Duncan makes the call—and if he gets only ONE roster spot, he's keeping Camden Brown.

But that decision comes with a major risk. If the Cowboys cut Brown, another NFL team could claim him before Dallas ever gets the opportunity to bring him back. At the same time, Mingo's experience and special-teams ability could make him extremely valuable on the back end of the 53-man roster.

Could Dallas find a way to keep both? Or does protecting Brown's upside mean making one of the toughest cuts of the Cowboys' preseason?

Cowboys Nation, you're the GM. Jonathan Mingo or Camden Brown—who gets the final roster spot? And if you're cutting Brown, are you confident he actually makes it through waivers?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast with James Duncan for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, roster battles, 53-man roster projections, player evaluations, preseason coverage and NFL analysis from a passionate Cowboys fan perspective.

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The Dallas Cowboys have a quarterback problem—and it may be a good one. With Joe Milton emerging as a legitimate QB2 candidate and Sam Howell putting together an impressive preseason performance, Dallas now faces a difficult 53-man roster decision: do the Cowboys keep three quarterbacks, or risk losing Howell by trying to sneak him through waivers?

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down the latest Dallas Cowboys quarterback dilemma and why Sam Howell’s preseason performance could force Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer to rethink the final 53-man roster.

Joe Milton has already made a strong case for the backup quarterback job with his combination of size, arm strength, mobility and explosive-play ability. But Sam Howell has shown why Dallas valued his experience and why simply cutting him may not be as easy as it looks.

That creates the biggest question facing the Cowboys quarterback room: If Joe Milton wins QB2, can Dallas really afford to let Sam Howell go?

Keeping three quarterbacks would give Dallas insurance behind Dak Prescott and preserve a player with NFL starting experience, but that roster spot comes at a price. Every quarterback kept means another player at wide receiver, running back, tight end, offensive line or defense could be pushed off the final roster.

And that's where this gets really interesting.

With young wide receivers like Camden Brown and Jonathan Mingo fighting for roster spots, could Dallas sacrifice offensive depth to keep three quarterbacks? Could a promising player on the roster bubble become the casualty of the Sam Howell decision? Or does Dallas decide that Joe Milton's upside and Dak Prescott's durability make carrying three quarterbacks unnecessary?

James Duncan breaks down both sides of the debate from a Cowboys fan perspective and asks the question Cowboys Nation needs to answer before cutdown day: Would you keep Sam Howell as QB3, even if it means cutting another player who could contribute this season?

The Dallas Cowboys' quarterback depth chart may not be as simple as Dak Prescott, Joe Milton and Sam Howell. The decision could have consequences across the entire 53-man roster.

Cowboys Nation, YOU are the GM: If Joe Milton wins QB2, are you keeping Sam Howell as QB3—or are you using that roster spot somewhere else?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, Dak Prescott analysis, Joe Milton and Sam Howell coverage, roster battles, 53-man roster projections, NFL analysis and everything surrounding America's Team.

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The Dallas Cowboys are running out of roster spots, and the tight end and running back rooms could produce some of the toughest cuts before the final 53-man roster is set. On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down his projected Dallas Cowboys cuts at tight end and running back and reveals which players he believes have earned a spot on the roster—and which players may be left searching for their next opportunity.

At tight end, Jake Ferguson is firmly established as Dallas' TE1, but the battle behind him is far less certain. Brevon Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker are fighting for roster security, while preseason standout Michael Trigg faces a completely different challenge after suffering a toe injury.

Trigg has shown enough potential to become one of the Cowboys' most intriguing young offensive players, but injuries can completely change the math on cut day. Should Dallas find a way to stash Trigg and preserve his development, or does the injury force the Cowboys to make a difficult roster decision?

Then comes the running back battle.

Javonte Williams is locked into the conversation at the top of the Dallas backfield, but the competition behind him is wide open. Malik Davis has made a strong case with his reliability and preseason production, while Jaydon Blue continues to flash the explosive athleticism that made him such an intriguing young player. Meanwhile, Phil Mafah could be one of the most difficult players to cut because his upside could make him a target for another NFL team.

Where does that leave Israel Abanikanda and Jashaun Corbin? With limited roster spots and several players fighting for the same opportunities, Dallas may be forced to choose between proven depth, explosive potential and developmental upside.

James Duncan puts himself in the Cowboys' front office seat and makes the tough calls: Who stays? Who gets cut? Who goes to the practice squad? And which player could Dallas regret losing once another NFL team comes calling?

Cowboys Nation, YOU are the general manager. Which running backs and tight ends are you keeping on the final 53-man roster? Would you keep Michael Trigg despite his injury? And who wins the RB2 battle: Malik Davis or Jaydon Blue?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, roster battles, NFL analysis, player evaluations, preseason coverage and everything surrounding America's Team.

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The Dallas Cowboys are facing some of their toughest roster decisions of the preseason, and the quarterback and wide receiver rooms could be where the biggest surprises happen. On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down his projected cuts at quarterback and wide receiver and reveals which Cowboys players he believes will make the final 53-man roster—and which players could be on the outside looking in.

At quarterback, Dak Prescott remains the unquestioned starter, but the QB2 battle between Joe Milton and Sam Howell has completely changed the conversation. After Milton’s impressive preseason performance, including 179 passing yards and three total touchdowns in one half, has his stock skyrocketing, should Dallas officially move forward with Milton behind Dak? And does that mean Sam Howell becomes the surprise cut?

James Duncan also breaks down whether the Dallas Cowboys should carry three quarterbacks or use that roster spot to strengthen another position. With every spot on the 53-man roster carrying major value, the decision at QB could have a ripple effect across the entire roster.

Then comes the wide receiver room.

CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and KaVontae Turpin headline a talented Cowboys receiving corps, but the battle behind them has become one of the most difficult roster decisions in Dallas. Jonathan Mingo and Camden Brown have both made strong preseason cases, creating a fascinating question for Cowboys coaches: do you prioritize proven NFL experience or younger players with higher upside?

Could a veteran like Marquez Valdes-Scantling become one of the Cowboys' most surprising cuts? Could Camden Brown or Jonathan Mingo force their way onto the final roster? And with only so many roster spots available, which wide receivers simply don't have a path to the 53?

This is the brutal reality of Dallas Cowboys cut day: every roster spot given to one player means another player loses his opportunity.

Cowboys Nation, YOU are the general manager. Which quarterback and wide receiver are you cutting from Dallas' roster? And would you keep Joe Milton, Sam Howell, or BOTH behind Dak Prescott?

Subscribe to Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, roster battles, NFL analysis, preseason coverage, player evaluations and breaking updates from a passionate fan perspective.

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The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 season might NOT be decided by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens or even Quinnen Williams. Dallas knows what its superstars can do. The real question is whether the Cowboys' X-factors—led by Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams and a young defensive core—can elevate this roster from talented to a legitimate NFC contender.

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan breaks down the under-the-radar players who could ultimately determine the Dallas Cowboys' ceiling in 2026.

It starts with Tyler Guyton.

Dak Prescott has CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. He has Jake Ferguson. He has explosive weapons capable of creating mismatches all over the field. But none of it matters if Dallas can't consistently protect its quarterback.

That's why Guyton's development at left tackle could become one of the biggest stories of the Cowboys season.

If Guyton takes another step, Dak gets more time in the pocket, Brian Schottenheimer can call deeper-developing concepts, Lamb and Pickens get more opportunities downfield, and Dallas doesn't have to build an offense around Prescott escaping pressure and playing superhero every Sunday.

Then there's the running game.

Javonte Williams doesn't necessarily need to become an NFL rushing champion. Dallas needs him—and the rest of the Cowboys backfield—to become dangerous enough that defenses have to respect the run.

If the Cowboys can run the football consistently, play-action becomes more dangerous, linebackers have to step forward, safeties have to respect the box and Dak Prescott gets the one-on-one opportunities with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens that could make this offense nearly impossible to defend.

The same argument applies defensively.

Quinnen Williams and Von Miller are proven veterans. The bigger question is what Dallas gets from Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Shavon Revel Jr., Jaishawn Barham and the rest of its young defensive core.

The Cowboys don't need those players to become stars three years from now. They need them contributing NOW.

If the young secondary develops, the pass rush gets even more dangerous. If the linebackers emerge, Christian Parker gets more flexibility. And if Dallas' young first-round talent lives up to expectations, this defense could have a dramatically higher ceiling.

That's why the Cowboys' 2026 season isn't only about their biggest names.

Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Quinnen Williams can be great—but a deep playoff run may ultimately depend on the players surrounding them.

Cowboys Nation, who is YOUR biggest X-factor for 2026? Tyler Guyton? Javonte Williams? Caleb Downs? Malachi Lawrence? Shavon Revel Jr.? Or somebody else?

Join James Duncan on Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, Dak Prescott analysis, roster breakdowns, season predictions and everything surrounding America's Team. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts and listen daily for quick-hit Cowboys coverage from a passionate fan perspective.

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The Dallas Cowboys will have a TOP-5 offense in 2026—and Dak Prescott could be headed for one of the biggest statistical seasons of his NFL career. With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson and an offense built around Brian Schottenheimer’s philosophy, just how explosive can Dallas become?

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan puts actual NUMBERS on his expectations for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys offense in 2026.

The prediction for Dak?

4,550 passing yards. 36 touchdowns. Nine interceptions. Around a 68% completion rate. And 11+ Cowboys wins.

Those numbers might sound aggressive, but look at what Dallas has surrounded him with.

CeeDee Lamb remains one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers. George Pickens gives the Cowboys another legitimate WR1-level weapon on the opposite side. Jake Ferguson provides Dak with a proven target underneath, and Dallas has additional speed and depth throughout the offense.

So how exactly are defenses supposed to play the Cowboys?

Double CeeDee and George Pickens gets opportunities in single coverage. Roll help toward Pickens and Lamb gets additional space to operate. Keep both safeties deep and Brian Schottenheimer gets an opportunity to run the football and attack underneath.

James makes another BOLD prediction: CeeDee Lamb AND George Pickens will each finish with at least 1,200 receiving yards.

But here's the key to making all of those passing numbers possible—the RUN GAME.

Brian Schottenheimer doesn't need Dallas to become an old-school, run-first offense. He needs defenses to respect the possibility of the run enough to create easier opportunities for Dak Prescott.

Run to earn the opportunity to pass.

Force linebackers toward the line of scrimmage. Create play-action opportunities. Slow down opposing pass rushers. Get safeties moving forward. Then let Dak attack with Lamb and Pickens downfield.

Running the football isn't about taking the ball OUT of Dak Prescott's hands. It's about making the defense easier for Dak to destroy when the football gets PUT BACK into his hands.

The final prediction? Dallas averages 27+ points per game and finishes among the NFL's top five scoring offenses.

Can Dak throw for 4,500+ yards and 35+ touchdowns? Can CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens BOTH eclipse 1,200 receiving yards? And can Brian Schottenheimer turn the Cowboys into the most dangerous offense in the NFC?

Cowboys Nation, make your prediction: Where does the Dallas Cowboys offense finish in scoring in 2026—TOP 3, TOP 5, TOP 10 or outside the top 10?

Join James Duncan on Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, Dak Prescott analysis, season predictions, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens coverage and everything surrounding America’s Team. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts and listen daily for quick-hit Cowboys coverage from a passionate fan perspective.

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How many games SHOULD the Dallas Cowboys win in 2026? With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Quinnen Williams and a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the football, expectations in Dallas should be much higher than simply competing for a playoff spot.

On this episode of Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast, host James Duncan gives his official Dallas Cowboys record prediction and explains why 11 or even 12 wins should be a realistic goal for America’s Team in 2026.

It starts with Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys have surrounded their franchise quarterback with one of the NFL’s most dangerous collections of offensive weapons. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens give Dallas two legitimate WR1-caliber receivers, Jake Ferguson provides another proven target, and Brian Schottenheimer has an opportunity to build a balanced Cowboys offense capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways.

If Dak stays healthy and the offensive line holds up, how many defenses can consistently stop this group?

Then there’s the Dallas Cowboys defense.

Quinnen Williams gives Dallas a dominant presence on the defensive front, while Von Miller adds veteran experience to a group featuring exciting young talent. Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Shavon Revel Jr., Jaishawn Barham and other emerging Cowboys defenders give this unit significantly more upside entering the regular season.

The talent is there.

Now the expectations have to match it.

James explains why anything short of double-digit wins should be considered a disappointment for this Cowboys roster—and why an 11-6 or 12-5 finish could put Dallas directly into the NFC East race and position the Cowboys for a legitimate postseason run.

But there are still questions.

Can the Cowboys offensive line protect Dak Prescott consistently? Does Dallas have enough depth to survive injuries over a 17-game NFL season? Is the secondary deep enough? And when January arrives, can the Cowboys finally turn regular-season talent into postseason success?

Because with this much talent, simply MAKING the playoffs isn't enough.

The Cowboys need to win. They need to contend in the NFC. And they need to prove this roster is capable of making a deep playoff run.

Cowboys Nation, give me your official 2026 prediction: 9-8? 10-7? 11-6? 12-5? And how far does Dallas go in the playoffs?

Join James Duncan on Locked On Cowboys Hit Podcast for daily Dallas Cowboys news, Cowboys rumors, season predictions, Dak Prescott analysis, roster updates and everything surrounding America’s Team. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts and listen daily for quick-hit Cowboys coverage from a passionate fan perspective.

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