The Dallas Cowboys have acquired Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots to fill the role of backup quarterback. This move follows the Cowboys' earlier efforts to develop quarterback Trey Lance, which did not yield the desired results.
The trade was facilitated by the Patriots' strong quarterback lineup, including franchise quarterback Drake Maye and the recent addition of Joshua Dobbs. In exchange for Milton, the Cowboys sent a late-round pick, specifically the 171st overall selection, to New England, allowing Dallas to shift to the 217th pick in the 2025 draft.
Milton had shown potential during his one-game debut in 2024, displaying poise and accuracy. However, concerns arose during training camp about his readiness for a starting position. In the previous season, he played limited minutes, often in situations where the outcome was already decided, showcasing both impressive moments and costly errors.
In addition to Milton, the Cowboys signed free agent Sam Howell to provide more experience as they prepared for training camp. Milton has since demonstrated notable improvement in decision-making and composure during recent practices, raising optimism among fans about his potential contributions this season. Further plans for Milton and Howell remain uncertain as the team continues to assess their options ahead of the season.
