The Dallas Cowboys are trading a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for second-year Quarterback, Joe Milton, and a seventh-round pick.
This move comes after months of speculation over who will back up Dak Prescott in 2025, as Cooper Rush signed with the Ravens and Dallas lost interest in re-signing Trey Lance. Now, the Cowboys have their answer.
Trade: New England is sending QB Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, sources tell ESPN. With Cooper Rush going to Baltimore, Dallas now has a new backup for Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/AIVVuvsel2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025
Milton, 25, was a star for the Tennessee Volunteers in college, and shined in limited reps with the Patriots in 2024.
Dallas likely would have used that pick on a quarterback in the draft, as Stephen Jones has openly expressed interest in it. With Milton instead, they get an older, more established option with higher potential.
Joe Milton: Same Cost, Stronger Option
Milton, in his one game in the NFL, went 22/29 passing for 241 yards, two total touchdowns, and no interceptions.
When you combine that with his 6’5″, 245 lb frame, solid mobility, and absolute cannon for an arm, you have a fascinating long-term option on your hands. For the first time in Prescott’s career, Dallas has a guy who could realistically take over in a few years.
His positive traits are accompanied by some concerning ones as well, specifically when it comes to consistent accuracy and age.
This has never been a guy that will shock you with elite ball placement; rather, Milton has relied on his physical attributes, like height, frame, and arm strength, to make the big-time play.
I guess this was a very intriguing audition, despite the competition (2s and 3s?).
Joe Milton III
22/29 241, 1 TD
10 carries, 16 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 FL— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) April 2, 2025
That isn’t too sustainable in the NFL, but that’s why this fit with Dallas makes sense.
Joe Milton can be an electric emergency option in the nightmare scenario that Prescott goes down, bringing the kind of traits and potential to the field that few Cowboys backups have had, while also getting the chance to develop his accuracy by watching and learning.
If you’ve been frustrated with the front office this offseason, you can take the day off. This is a good move for Dallas that helps them both this season and in the long term.