The Dallas Cowboys have made a move to solidify their quarterback room, acquiring Joe Milton from the New England Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
As part of the deal, Dallas also receives a seventh-round selection.
What does Joe Milton bring to the Cowboys?
With Cooper Rush now in Baltimore and Trey Lance testing free agency, the Cowboys needed a reliable backup for Dak Prescott and Milton fits the bill.
Milton, a 25-year-old quarterback out of Tennessee, was a sixth-round pick in 2024.
He showed promise in limited action, notably completing 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown in his lone significant appearance against Buffalo in Week 18.
Despite his potential, New England’s decision to sign veteran Josh Dobbs and commit to second-year quarterback Drake Maye left Milton as the odd man out.
Now, he has a chance to carve out a role in Dallas.
While Milton is expected to serve as Prescott’s backup for now, the Cowboys’ decision to trade for him signals a forward-thinking approach.
His combination of arm strength and mobility makes him an intriguing developmental piece.
With Dallas reportedly interested in grooming a long-term successor at quarterback, Milton’s presence could add pressure to Prescott’s standing as the unquestioned leader of the offense.
Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged Milton’s talent and mindset but remained noncommittal about his future in New England before the trade.
“Everybody wants to play. Everybody wants to be the starter, and that’s great to have that attitude,” Vrabel said.
“And he was ready for his opportunity there late in the season, which I commend him on… And then where that leads to, we’ll see as the draft approaches.”
Prescott has been the face of the Cowboys’ franchise since taking over in 2016.
However, his long-term future in Dallas remains uncertain and with Milton now in the mix, questions arise about whether the team is preparing for a transition down the road.
That said, Milton is far from an immediate threat to Prescott’s job.
He still needs time to develop, and his presence is more about strengthening the depth chart than creating a quarterback controversy, at least for now.
But if Milton performs well in training camp and preseason action, he could position himself as a viable alternative should Dallas look beyond Prescott in the coming years.
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon this trade adds another layer of intrigue to the Cowboys’ offseason.
Whether Milton is simply a backup or a potential successor, his arrival ensures that all eyes will be on the Cowboys’ quarterback room moving forward.
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