In an interesting turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys have traded for quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. This move, involving a fifth-round pick (No. 171) and a seventh-round pick (No. 217), aims to bolster the Cowboys’ quarterback depth.

Milton, who is 25, was drafted in the sixth round last year. He mainly held a third-string position but had a standout moment in his final game of the season, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, helping secure a win.
For the Cowboys, who previously had Dak Prescott and Will Grier, Milton provides an additional option. This trade follows their acquisition of Trey Lance in 2023, emphasizing their focus on developing young talent. The Cowboys have been in need of a reliable backup since Cooper Rush signed with the Ravens. With Milton on board, there’s renewed competition for the backup role, which has been crucial for the team in past seasons. Just a few years ago, Prescott missed significant time due to injury, underlining the importance of a strong backup.
On the other side, the Patriots are optimizing their roster. With a clear starting quarterback in Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs as backup, Milton faced a limited future in New England. Moving him now allows the Patriots to gain a draft pick ahead of an important draft period. With a focus on rebuilding, they might look for new talent for backup spots soon.
This change presents an opportunity for both teams. The Cowboys can strengthen their quarterback situation while the Patriots prepare for future growth. As teams gear up for the draft, strategic trades like this help reshape rosters and respond to evolving needs.
Recent Trends in Quarterback Trades
This trend of trading for backup quarterbacks has been on the rise, with many teams looking to stabilize their positions without investing heavily in established starters. According to a recent survey by Pro Football Focus, teams that have a capable backup quarterback tend to perform better during the regular season, especially when starting quarterbacks face injuries.
User Reactions
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to the trade. Some Cowboys fans are optimistic about Milton’s potential, hoping he can bring fresh energy to the team. Others, however, are cautious, recalling past trades that didn’t pan out.
In summary, the acquisition of Joe Milton III marks an interesting chapter for both the Cowboys and the Patriots as they navigate their quarterback strategies. With the upcoming draft just around the corner, every move counts in this game of roster chess.
Check out this related article: Paul Skenes Braces for Playful Teasing from Pirates Teammates After Stunning Livvy Dunne Photoshoot in GQ
Source linkDallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, NFL