In a move to bolster their quarterback lineup behind Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys have brought Joe Milton III on board. The deal with the New England Patriots involves Milton and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, with the Cowboys sending over a 2025 fifth-round pick in return.
The discussions between the Cowboys and the Patriots took off a few weeks back and picked up considerable momentum during the recent NFL meeting at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
The urgency to find Prescott’s backup became evident for the Cowboys after Cooper Rush departed for the Baltimore Ravens, signing a two-year contract that ensured him $4.2 million. Initially, the Cowboys had their eyes on Jacoby Brissett, but he opted for the Arizona Cardinals. Drew Lock was also on their radar; however, he spent the last season with the New York Giants.
Reflecting on last season, the Cowboys engaged with Trey Lance concerning a contract extension after Prescott was sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury. Unfortunately, those talks didn’t lead to any agreements, and Lance, who got the nod to start the Cowboys’ last game of the 2024 season, remains unsigned.
Milton entered the league as a sixth-round pick last year and made a notable impression in New England’s final matchup of the season. He helped the Patriots secure a victory against the Buffalo Bills by completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, notching a passing touchdown and sprinting for another.
Before this trade, Will Grier was Prescott’s sole backup on the Cowboys’ roster.
Prescott, who has missed action in four of the last five seasons because of injuries, recently underwent surgery for a torn hamstring suffered midseason against the Atlanta Falcons. His recovery is progressing smoothly, although the Cowboys plan to carefully manage his workload during the offseason.
“We’re taking a cautious approach,” said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones on Tuesday. “Dak’s on track with his recovery. He’s preparing responsibly so we can have the season we’re aiming for. He’s expected to be ready in time, participating in both individual and team drills during spring preparations, balancing participation with risk management during training camp.”
Last year, Milton was the Patriots’ third-string quarterback, playing behind Drake Maye, who was selected in the first round, and Brissett. With Joshua Dobbs recently signed as a backup by the Patriots last month, Milton’s move to Dallas seems well-timed for all involved.
