The Dallas Cowboys finalized their 53-man active roster for the 2026 regular season by releasing several prominent players on cutdown day.
Addressing the roster changes, head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke about the heavy emotional toll of making these final choices.
Expressing the emotional weight of cutdown day, Schottenheimer shared his feelings about the process.
“I’m just going to start with this really emotional last 48 hours or so,” Schottenheimer said, according to CBS Sports.
He further emphasized the reality of player cuts.
“The human element is real,” he added.
He noted the roster must withstand a full schedule.
“We’re trying to build a roster that can handle the strain of 17 regular-season games, the grind of the playoffs into the Super Bowl,” the head coach explained, per CBS Sports.
Among the most notable cuts was quarterback Joe Milton, whose arm strength had previously drawn comparisons to Brett Favre.
The Cowboys ultimately selected veteran Sam Howell for the backup quarterback role due to his superior processing speed and grasp of the playbook.
Schottenheimer noted that having Milton back on the practice squad would be incredible if he cleared waivers.
Dallas also parted ways with running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, both drafted in 2025.
The young players failed to secure special teams roles and were outworked by undrafted veteran Malik Davis, who solidified his place with consistency and secure ball security.
Blue has since joined the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, the team released edge rusher Sam Williams to accommodate a crowded defensive line room.
The decision to release Williams forced the Cowboys to take a substantial financial hit on his guaranteed contract.
Williams has since signed to the active roster of the Cleveland Browns, per CBS Sports.