The Dallas Cowboys have acquired Joe Milton III to serve as their backup quarterback after completing a trade with the New England Patriots. This move follows the Cowboys' earlier efforts to develop quarterback Trey Lance, which did not yield the desired results.
The Patriots, benefiting from a strong quarterback lineup that includes franchise player Drake Maye and the recent addition of Joshua Dobbs, traded Milton to Dallas in exchange for a late-round draft pick. Specifically, the Cowboys sent the 171st overall selection to New England, allowing them to shift back to the 217th pick in the 2025 draft.
Milton had shown potential during his debut in 2024, but concerns arose during training camp regarding his readiness for a starting position. His previous season featured limited playtime, primarily in uncompetitive situations, where he displayed both impressive skills and notable errors. To enhance their quarterback options, the Cowboys also signed free agent Sam Howell, who brings more experience to the team.
Recent practices have indicated that Milton has made significant strides, demonstrating improved decision-making and composure in the pocket. This progress has sparked optimism among fans about his potential contributions this season. The Cowboys have yet to clarify their plans for Milton and Howell as they continue to assess their quarterback situation ahead of the upcoming season.
