Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move by acquiring second-year quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. According to a league source, the Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick to New England in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round pick. This strategic acquisition adds depth and intrigue to the Cowboys' quarterback situation, primarily revolving around Dak Prescott.
Joe Milton III was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of last year’s draft. Although he spent most of the previous season as the third-string quarterback, Milton showcased his potential during the last game of the season. With the Patriots needing a loss to secure the No. 1 pick, Milton stepped up, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, while also scrambling for another score in a decisive win against the Buffalo Bills.
At just 25 years old, Milton brings a promising upside to the Cowboys' quarterback depth chart, which previously included only Prescott and journeyman Will Grier before this acquisition. This move reflects Dallas's ongoing strategy to invest in quarterbacks with high ceilings. It follows their previous trade for Trey Lance in 2023, demonstrating the team's commitment to enhancing their backup options.
The Cowboys have been actively seeking a backup quarterback since Cooper Rush signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Rush had been an essential part of the team for the past four years, and the recent trade aligns with Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones' comments about possibly adjusting the roster via trade. Acquiring Milton fulfills the Cowboys' need for a reliable backup quarterback.
This is the second time in three years the Cowboys have traded for a young backup quarterback, following the acquisition of Lance in August 2023. While Lance was a top-five pick that cost the Cowboys a fourth-round pick, Milton is a late-round pick coming to Dallas after Prescott signed a four-year extension. The acquisition primarily addresses the need for depth at the quarterback position.
The role of a backup quarterback has proven crucial for the Cowboys in recent years. Prescott's injury history, including a broken ankle in 2020 and a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2022 season, underscores the importance of a reliable backup. Milton will now compete with Grier for the primary backup position, helping to ensure that the Cowboys are prepared for any future challenges.
While acquiring Milton reduces the immediate need for a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, it does not eliminate the possibility of the Cowboys selecting another player if the opportunity arises. The Cowboys may still look to draft a quarterback if they find an exceptional value later in the draft.
For the Patriots, moving Milton makes strategic sense, given that he was projected to be their No. 3 quarterback following the signing of veteran Joshua Dobbs. This trade allows the Patriots to gain capital before an important draft, essential for their rebuilding efforts. Although they could have held onto Milton until training camp in hopes of boosting his trade value, the urgency of the upcoming draft influenced their decision to act now.
With only two quarterbacks remaining on the Patriots' depth chart, it wouldn't be surprising to see them take a late-round chance on another potential backup or to pursue a high-priority undrafted free agent to bolster their roster.
This trade marks a significant chapter in both the Cowboys and Patriots narratives as they prepare for the upcoming season and draft, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the NFL quarterback landscape.
