The Dallas Cowboys made a shocking move on Thursday, swinging a deal with the New England Patriots to acquire quarterback Joe Milton III.
The trade itself wasn’t blockbuster-level, but it was unexpected—and clearly done with intention. The Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick to New England in exchange for Milton and a seventh-rounder, adding a new name to their quarterback room behind Dak Prescott.
Milton isn’t coming in to compete for QB1. Not yet, anyway. But after Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Lance flamed out, Dallas needed to do something. They went with upside. A big arm. A raw but intriguing talent. It’s not hard to see why Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer would be into it.
And apparently, the feeling is mutual.
Joe Milton is already a Cowboys fan-favorite
Milton sure seems ready for the opportunity. He spoke with Jordan Schultz about the move, and his response should have Cowboys fans fired up about their new backup—and maybe even future starter:
"“My family grew up a Cowboys fan. My mom always had a Cowboys shirt on. She always talked about them. Living in Texas has been a longtime dream of mine. And now I’m with them. I’m ready to work.”Joe Milton
"
Milton's from Pahokee, FL, but welcome home. I mean, what an endorsement.
It’s the kind of quote that immediately wins over a fanbase. Family ties, childhood fandom, and a clear love for the star on the helmet. You can’t really script a better opening line for a guy who might end up seeing real snaps behind Dak Prescott this season.
Milton’s lone NFL start came in Week 18 last year for the Patriots, where he torched the Buffalo Bills' backups for 241 passing yards, two total touchdowns, and a 75.9% completion rate (22/29). It was enough to put him on the radar—and apparently, enough to convince Jerry to spend draft capital on him.
This might’ve looked like a depth move on the surface, but the upside is there. The Cowboys didn’t really give up all that much to get him, and they filled a real hole behind Dak with a young QB who clearly wants to be here.
Milton’s not just saying the right things. He sounds like a guy who means them. This already feels like a slam-dunk trade.
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