The Dallas Cowboys have secured Joe Milton III as their backup quarterback following a trade with the New England Patriots. The acquisition came after a search for a young quarterback to develop, prompted by the previous unsuccessful experience with Trey Lance. The Patriots, having a surplus of quarterbacks, decided to trade Milton, allowing the Cowboys to capitalize on the opportunity.
The trade was favorable for Dallas, costing them only a late-round pick (No. 171) in exchange for an early seventh-round pick (No. 217), representing a minor drop of 46 spots in the 2025 draft. Milton had previously shown promise in his limited playing time during the 2024 season, displaying poise and good decision-making, which made the trade seem advantageous for the Cowboys.
However, Milton's performance in training camp raised concerns, as he struggled with consistency and accuracy. Despite these issues, the Cowboys relied on him as their sole backup last season, although Dak Prescott remained healthy throughout the year, limiting Milton's playing time to garbage time situations.
Recognizing the potential risks, the Cowboys signed veteran quarterback Sam Howell to provide competition and depth. Since then, Milton has demonstrated significant improvement. In a recent performance, he exhibited greater composure in the pocket and improved decision-making, distinguishing himself from his earlier struggles. This development has sparked renewed optimism among fans regarding his capabilities as a backup quarterback.
