The Dallas Cowboys have secured Joe Milton III as their backup quarterback, a decision that follows a trade with the New England Patriots. The Cowboys sought a young quarterback to develop after their previous attempt with Trey Lance did not meet expectations.
With the Patriots having a surplus of quarterbacks, including franchise player Drake Maye and recent acquisition Joshua Dobbs, they opted to trade Milton, allowing the Cowboys to acquire him for a minimal cost.
The trade involved the Cowboys sending a late-round pick (No. 171) to the Patriots in exchange for an early seventh-round pick (No. 217), representing a minor adjustment in draft positioning. This move was seen as advantageous for Dallas, especially given Milton's promising performance in his NFL debut in 2024, where he displayed poise and decision-making skills.
However, Milton's initial excitement faded as he struggled during training camp and preseason, revealing inconsistencies in his performance. Despite being the only backup to Dak Prescott last season, Milton did not see significant playtime, only appearing in garbage time during games that were already out of reach. His unpredictable play raised concerns about his readiness to step in during critical moments.
To address these concerns, the Cowboys signed veteran quarterback Sam Howell, allowing for competition in training camp. However, recent performances have shown a marked improvement in Milton's game. In a recent outing, he exhibited composure in the pocket and made sound decisions, suggesting he has made significant strides in his development as a quarterback.
