In a surprise Tuesday roster move that has left Dallas Cowboys fans doing a double-take, the front office has officially released third-year cornerback Reddy Steward—a player who started seven games in Big D over the past two seasons—in order to clear practice squad space for former Saints running back Kendre Miller.
The decision to cut ties with the 25-year-old Troy product comes as the Cowboys reshuffle their depth chart following a frustrating 4-5 start to the 2026 campaign.
While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made headlines at the NFL trade deadline by holding onto star wide receiver George Pickens despite his $142 million contract impasse, defensive coordinator Christian Parker is actively trimming the secondary depth to bolster an offense severely depleted by injuries.
From Matt Eberflus Favorite to the Cutting Room Floor
Steward’s sudden release marks a dramatic fall from grace for the cornerback, who established himself as a reliable rotational defender under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus during the 2025 season:
- 2025 Breakout Campaign: Steward appeared in all 17 games for Dallas last season, starting five contests while playing nearly half of the defense’s overall snaps. He finished 2025 with 63 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
- Offseason Roster Crunch: Following defensive scheme changes under new coordinator Christian Parker, Steward lost his spot on the initial 53-man roster out of training camp and was stashed on the practice squad.
- Emergency Starter Duties: When injuries struck the secondary early in the 2026 season, Steward received three gameday elevations. He started two games (facing Houston and Tampa Bay) and recorded 11 tackles across 87 defensive snaps before reverting back to the practice squad.
Because Steward had exhausted his maximum three gameday elevations, Dallas would have been forced to sign him to the active 53-man roster to play him again. Instead, Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer opted to cut him loose entirely.
Offensive Crisis Triggers Defensive Sacrifice
The roster spot vacated by Steward is being filled by former New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller, who joins the practice squad as Dallas scrambles to solve a growing injury crisis in their backfield.
With backup running back Tyler Goodson and starting tight end Jake Ferguson both facing multiple weeks on the sidelines due to knee injuries, Dak Prescott’s offense has been left dangerously short of playmakers:
- Kendre Miller Addition: The former 2023 third-round pick brings explosive upside and fresh legs to a Dallas rushing attack that has struggled for efficiency behind Rico Dowdle.
- Practice Squad Realignment: By prioritizing offensive backfield depth over secondary insurance, the Cowboys are betting heavily that starting cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland can remain healthy throughout the second half of the season.
High-Stakes NFC East Battle Awaits
With the Cowboys operating under intense scrutiny following their undisciplined Week 9 victory, cutting a proven starter like Steward highlights the sense of urgency inside the building.
As Dallas prepares for a grueling second-half schedule, Schottenheimer and Parker must hope that sacrificing secondary depth for offensive cover pays off immediately on the field.
