The Dallas Cowboys have acquired Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots to strengthen their backup quarterback position. This move follows the Cowboys' previous efforts to develop Trey Lance, which did not yield the desired results.
The trade was facilitated by the Patriots' depth at quarterback, particularly with franchise player Drake Maye and the recent addition of Joshua Dobbs. In exchange for Milton, the Cowboys sent a late-round pick, specifically the 171st overall selection, to New England, allowing Dallas to shift back to the 217th pick in the 2025 draft.
Milton had shown potential during his one-game debut in 2024, but concerns arose during training camp about his readiness for a starting role. Last season, he played limited minutes, mainly in games that were already decided, displaying both impressive moments and mistakes.
To further solidify their quarterback lineup, the Cowboys also signed free agent Sam Howell, providing an experienced option for training camp. Recent practices have shown Milton making strides in decision-making and composure, raising optimism among fans about his potential contributions this season. The Cowboys have yet to clarify their plans for Milton and Howell as they assess their strategy leading into the season.
