Cowboys finalize trade for quarterback Joe Milton III with the Patriots
The Dallas Cowboys finalized a trade with the New England Patriots for quarterback Joe Milton III, a source has confirmed to the Star-Telegram. In exchange, the Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick and are receiving a seventh-round pick from the Patriots.
The Cowboys have had interest in Milton for most of the offseason, with extensive homework being done on the 2024 rookie as far back as January. Needing a backup to starter Dak Prescott after losing Cooper Rush in free agency to the Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys had the option of signing a veteran or using a day three pick on the position in the draft next month.
Instead, they get a deal done to acquire Joe Milton III.
Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Patriots in 2024, began his college career at Michigan as a backup to Shea Patterson for two seasons before being named the starter for a COVID-19-shortened six-game season in 2020. He transferred to Tennessee in 2021 and served two seasons as the backup to Hendon Hooker before taking over full-time in 2023.
In his sixth college season, Milton led Tennessee to an 8-4 record while throwing for 2,769 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He added 292 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
In his rookie season, Milton mostly served as the third-string quarterback for the Patriots before getting an opportunity in the team’s season finale where he came in for the second drive of the game and did not come out. He finished 22-for-29 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown while adding 16 yards and a touchdown on the ground in a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Measuring in at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Milton uses his size to power one of the strongest throwing arms in the NFL. He has been seen on video launching a pass over 80 yards in a camp environment. While mostly a developmental project, Milton can hone in on a backup role to Prescott while preparing in the event he needs to step in as a starter. At 25 years old, Milton has three seasons remaining on his rookie contract.
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 9:15 AM.
