Cowboys Acquire Quarterback Joe Milton from Patriots in Trade: Reports

The Dallas Cowboys have shaken up their quarterback roster by acquiring Joe Milton from the New England Patriots in a trade, according to multiple reports. The move reportedly sees Milton and a seventh-round pick heading to Dallas in exchange for the Cowboys’ fifth-round compensatory pick, as per ESPN.

Milton, a 25-year-old quarterback, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after his college career at Tennessee. Although he only started one game for New England last season, it was a memorable one. In Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and tossed a touchdown while also rushing for another score. Sure, the Bills were resting their top players, but Milton’s performance still turned heads.

The Patriots’ recent signing of quarterback Josh Dobbs as a backup to starter Drake Maye made Milton expendable, paving the way for this trade. With Dak Prescott firmly holding the starting quarterback position in Dallas, Milton is expected to serve as his backup. The Cowboys had a busy quarterback room last season, with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance combining for nine starts after Prescott’s hamstring injury in Week 9. However, Rush departed for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, and Lance is currently a free agent.

Milton will join Prescott and Will Grier in the Cowboys' quarterback lineup. Grier, who has only appeared in two NFL games since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, rounds out the roster. It's clear that Dallas is making moves to ensure depth at the position.

Nicknamed "Bazooka Joe" for his enviable arm strength, Milton’s college stats speak for themselves. In his final season at Tennessee, he completed 64.7% of his passes for 2,813 yards, racking up 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions. This trade could be the fresh start Milton needs to truly showcase his potential.