The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move in their quest to bolster their quarterback depth, acquiring Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots in a trade that has sent ripples through the NFL. Announced on April 3, 2025, the deal sees the Cowboys parting with a fifth-round pick while receiving a seventh-round pick in return, marking the third trade of the offseason for the franchise.
Milton, who was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round in 2024, has been seen as a promising talent, despite spending his rookie season as a third-string quarterback. His only significant action came in Week 18 last season against the Buffalo Bills, where he showcased his potential by completing 75.9% of his passes for 241 yards, throwing one touchdown, and rushing for another. This performance, albeit against a team resting starters, has left many intrigued about his capabilities.
"My family grew up a Cowboys fan," Milton told Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz. "My mom always had a Cowboys shirt on. She always talked about them. Living in Texas has been a longtime dream of mine. And now I'm with them. I'm ready to work." With Cooper Rush signing with the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys were in dire need of a backup for Dak Prescott, making this acquisition timely.
The Cowboys' front office has been vocal about their intentions to strengthen their quarterback position, with Stephen Jones stating they were "not done" acquiring players. After the departure of Rush and Trey Lance, the team has now placed its trust in Milton as Prescott's primary backup. This trade not only fulfills a positional need but also offers the Cowboys three years of control over Milton's contract, a significant advantage compared to their previous acquisition of Lance, who was on a more expensive deal.
Grading the trade for the Cowboys, analysts have generally landed on a solid B. The Cowboys paid a reasonable price for Milton, giving up only a fifth-round pick while regaining a seventh-rounder, which minimizes the impact on their draft strategy. The move is seen as a low-risk investment in a player who has shown flashes of potential.
On the other side of the trade, the Patriots have also received a grade of B. While some fans speculated Milton could fetch a third-round pick, the reality of his situation—competing behind the newly drafted franchise quarterback Drake Maye—made the fifth-round pick a more realistic return. The Patriots are betting on Maye's development, and Milton's trade request for more playing time reflects his ambition to compete for a starting role.
Dallas fans can expect Milton to bring a different dynamic to the field. Known for his strong arm and athleticism, he has the potential to develop into a capable starter in the future. However, expectations should be tempered as he continues to refine his skills. As Sophie Weller from A to Z Sports noted, "Milton was always seen out at practice taking advantage of every opportunity. He has proved that he can develop and continue to grow as an NFL quarterback."
Milton's journey to the Cowboys comes after a year of learning and development under the Patriots' system. His impressive performance in the season finale against the Bills has solidified his reputation as a player to watch. He completed 22 of 29 passes, with one touchdown and no interceptions, while also contributing on the ground. This kind of production, even in limited action, has generated excitement among Cowboys fans who are eager to see how he fits into their offensive scheme.
With this trade, the Cowboys are not just addressing their immediate needs but also looking toward the future. The potential of having a quarterback with Milton's skill set could be a game-changer for Dallas, especially if Prescott's performance fluctuates or if injuries occur. The Cowboys are banking on Milton's upside and work ethic to provide a solid backup option.
As the NFL offseason continues, the implications of this trade will unfold. Will Milton rise to the occasion and prove to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys? Or will the pressures of the position weigh heavily on him? Only time will tell, but for now, the Cowboys have taken a step towards securing their quarterback room for the upcoming season.
In the grand scheme of things, the Cowboys' decision to trade for Milton could be seen as a pivotal moment in their offseason strategy. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, the Cowboys are looking to solidify their roster while also nurturing a young talent who could potentially lead them in the future. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how Milton adapts to his new surroundings and what he can bring to the table as Dak Prescott's backup.
As the Cowboys continue to make headlines, fans are left to ponder the future of their quarterback situation. With Milton now in the mix, the possibilities are endless, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season is palpable. The Cowboys are betting on Milton's potential, and it will be fascinating to see how this trade impacts the team's performance on the field.
