About Joe Milton
The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move by acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. This trade, which also includes a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a compensatory fifth-round pick, is expected to strengthen the Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart. With the departure of Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Lance hitting free agency, Dallas needed a reliable backup for their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. The addition of Milton brings a promising young talent into the fold, ensuring stability at the most critical position on the field.
Joe Milton’s Journey: From College Star to NFL Prospect
Joe Milton’s football career has been a tale of perseverance and development. He began his collegiate journey at the University of Michigan, where he played for three seasons. Although his time with the Wolverines did not yield consistent starting opportunities, it served as a valuable learning experience.
Seeking more playing time and an opportunity to showcase his abilities, Milton transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2021. His tenure with the Volunteers proved fruitful, as he demonstrated his potential with strong performances, including a standout game in the 2022 Orange Bowl against Clemson. In that game, Milton threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns, earning MVP honors and catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Milton’s arm strength and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round (193rd overall), viewing him as a developmental quarterback behind their first-round pick, Drake Maye. Although Milton started as a third-string option, his work ethic and natural talent quickly made an impression. Many fans eagerly searched for Joe Milton stats to track his progress throughout the season.
NFL Debut and Performance with the Patriots
Joe Milton made his NFL debut on January 5, 2025, in the Patriots’ season finale against the Buffalo Bills. Stepping in after an early exit by Maye, Milton delivered an impressive performance, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, throwing one touchdown, and adding a rushing score. His poise and playmaking ability helped lead the Patriots to a 23-16 victory. This showing proved that Milton was capable of competing at the professional level and warranted further opportunities.
However, with the Patriots acquiring veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs in the offseason, the team found themselves with an abundance of quarterbacks. This depth made Milton expendable, paving the way for his trade to the Cowboys. Many fans speculated on Joe Milton’s contract details as they followed his transition to Dallas.
Why the Cowboys Made the Move
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to trade for Milton highlights their commitment to securing quality depth at the quarterback position. Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter, but his recent history of injuries has raised concerns about the team’s backup options. Over the past three seasons, Prescott has missed 26 games due to various injuries, making it imperative for the Cowboys to have a capable replacement ready to step in.
Milton’s skill set aligns well with the Cowboys’ offensive philosophy. His strong arm allows him to make deep throws, while his mobility provides an additional dimension to the offense. Although he is still a developing quarterback, working under head coach Mike McCarthy and alongside Prescott will provide him with the mentorship needed to refine his game. Cowboys fans eager to support their new quarterback have already begun searching for a Joe Milton jersey to wear this season.
Milton’s Role and Future in Dallas
While Joe Milton is not expected to challenge Dak Prescott for the starting role immediately, he will have a significant opportunity to prove himself as a reliable backup. Given Prescott’s injury history, Milton may find himself taking meaningful snaps during the 2025 season. Additionally, if he excels in the preseason and during limited in-game action, he could position himself as a long-term option for the Cowboys.
Dallas has a history of developing quarterbacks within their system. With proper coaching and experience, Milton could evolve into a dependable starting-caliber player. His combination of arm strength, athleticism, and composure makes him an exciting addition to the Cowboys’ roster.
What This Means for the Cowboys’ Season
The Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with high expectations. After falling short in recent playoff runs, the team is determined to make a deep postseason push. Adding Joe Milton to the mix ensures that they are prepared for any scenario involving their quarterback position.
The NFC East remains one of the most competitive divisions in football, with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants making significant offseason moves. Having a strong backup quarterback could be the difference between maintaining momentum or struggling in crucial moments. If Milton is called upon, the Cowboys can be confident in his ability to step in and execute at a high level.
Final Thoughts
Joe Milton’s arrival in Dallas marks an exciting chapter in his career and a strategic move for the Cowboys. His potential, coupled with the team’s commitment to winning, makes this a promising acquisition. Fans will be eager to see how he develops in the coming months and whether he can make a meaningful impact when the opportunity arises.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Milton as he integrates into the Cowboys’ system. If he continues to progress, this trade could prove to be one of the most underrated moves of the 2025 offseason. For now, Cowboys fans can rest easy knowing they have a young, talented quarterback ready to step in if needed. Joe Milton Patriots fans may be disappointed to see him go, but Cowboys fans are thrilled to welcome him into their roster.