The Dallas Cowboys have acquired quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots, adding depth behind their starter, Dak Prescott. In exchange, Dallas is sending a fifth-round draft pick to New England and receiving Milton along with a seventh-round pick.
Milton, a second-year quarterback, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round last year. He spent most of the season as a third-string QB but made a strong impression in the final game, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Buffalo Bills. Despite his solid performance, he was not in New England’s long-term plans.
The Cowboys have been searching for a reliable backup since Cooper Rush left for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Before this trade, only veteran Will Grier was available as Prescott’s backup. Milton now joins the mix, competing for the No. 2 quarterback spot.
Sources: The #Patriots are trading QB Joe Milton to the #Cowboys in exchange for late-round draft pick compensation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2025
A new backup for Dak Prescott, Milton went 22 of 29 for 241 yards and a TD in Week 18 last year, a New England win. The potential is there. Now, a new home. pic.twitter.com/LA8YAOeUIn
Dallas has a history of investing in backup quarterbacks. In 2023, they traded for Trey Lance, a former top-five draft pick, to develop behind Prescott. By bringing in Milton, the Cowboys add another young QB with potential at a low cost.
For the Patriots, moving Milton was a logical decision. Their quarterback depth chart is already set, with rookie Drake Maye as the clear starter and veteran Joshua Dobbs as the backup. Trading Milton allows New England to gain an extra draft pick, which they can use to strengthen their rebuilding efforts.
Milton’s arrival in Dallas does not rule out the possibility of the Cowboys drafting another quarterback, but it reduces the urgency. He will now compete with Grier for the backup role, providing Dallas with a capable insurance option behind Prescott.
