Joe Milton III: The Dallas Cowboys have made a bold move to address their quarterback depth heading into the 2025 NFL season, acquiring Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots in a strategic offseason trade.
🔁 Details of the Trade
In a deal finalized earlier this week, the Cowboys sent their 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 171) to the Patriots in exchange for Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round selection (No. 217). With this move, Dallas aims to solidify its quarterback situation after notable offseason changes.
🧠 Who is Joe Milton III?
Joe Milton III, a 25-year-old quarterback out of the University of Tennessee, entered the NFL when the Patriots drafted him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Known for his rocket arm and mobility, Milton spent his rookie year as the Patriots’ third-string quarterback behind Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett.
Though opportunities were limited, Milton made a strong impression during his lone start in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, along with a rushing score in a 23-16 Patriots victory.
🧱Joe Milton III: Dallas Reshapes Its QB Room
The Cowboys’ quarterback depth chart has been undergoing major changes. Longtime backup Cooper Rush, a seven-year veteran with Dallas, signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, creating a void behind Dak Prescott.
At the same time, Trey Lance, who was acquired by Dallas in 2023 from the San Francisco 49ers, is approaching free agency. While Lance expressed appreciation for his time in Dallas, his future with the team remains unclear as he enters unrestricted free agency.
With those moves, the addition of Joe Milton signals a fresh start and a potentially key role as Dak Prescott’s primary backup in 2025.
🔍Joe Milton III: Why Milton? Cowboys See Upside
Milton’s performance in his lone NFL start showcased the potential that made him a coveted prospect. Standing at 6’5″ and possessing a cannon for an arm, he fits the mold of a modern quarterback with both pocket presence and athleticism.
The Cowboys are banking on his development and believe that, with proper coaching and system integration, Milton can thrive in their offense. His skill set adds versatility to the quarterback room and a safety net if Prescott were to miss time.
📉 Trey Lance’s Future Uncertain
While Trey Lance was once viewed as a future starter in the league, his path has been anything but straightforward. After being traded from the 49ers, Lance spent the 2024 season learning the Cowboys’ system but didn’t see game action. As he hits free agency, his time in Dallas may be coming to a close.
📊 Trade Grade & Expert Opinions
NFL analysts have praised the Cowboys for their low-risk, high-reward move. Giving up a Day 3 pick for a quarterback who has shown potential and already has an NFL start under his belt is seen as smart business. The Patriots, meanwhile, gain more draft flexibility, possibly to support their young starter, Drake Maye.
This trade strengthens Dallas’ QB depth and gives them a developmental option in Joe Milton, who could emerge as a valuable contributor.
🏈 What’s Next for Dallas?
Milton will join the Cowboys for offseason workouts, where he’ll begin learning the playbook and building chemistry with the offense. The coaching staff is expected to give him meaningful reps in the preseason, with a chance to win the QB2 spot outright.
If he performs well, Milton could lock down the backup job—or even attract attention from other teams in the future. Either way, it’s a pivotal step in his NFL journey.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Cowboys are clearly planning for both the present and the future with this trade. Joe Milton III brings youth, talent, and upside to a quarterback room in transition. With Cooper Rush gone and Trey Lance’s status up in the air, the timing couldn’t be better for Dallas to invest in a new arm.
Stay tuned — this could be the start of something big for Joe Milton in Big D.
