Joe Milton III: Cowboys' New Hope as Backup Quarterback

Cowboys Find Their Insurance Policy Behind Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys have addressed one of their most pressing offseason needs by acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. The move comes after losing previous backup Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason.

Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, brings impressive arm talent despite limited NFL experience. His standout performance in New England's 2024 season finale against Buffalo (22/29 for 241 yards, 1 TD) demonstrated his potential value as Prescott's backup.

The Trade Details

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cowboys received Milton and a seventh-round pick from New England in exchange for a fifth-round selection. Ian Rapoport reported that Dallas showed the strongest interest in Milton from the beginning.

This move is particularly significant given Prescott's recent injury history, which limited him to just eight games during the Cowboys' disappointing 7-10 campaign in 2024.

What It Means for Both Teams

For Dallas, Milton represents high-upside insurance behind their injury-prone starter. Since 2020, Prescott has missed significant time in three of four seasons.

The Patriots, meanwhile, gain draft capital while clearing their quarterback room after signing Josh Dobbs to back up 2024 first-round pick Drake Maye.

Milton's powerful arm strength and dual-threat capabilities (he added 299 rushing yards and 7 TDs in his final college season at Tennessee) give the Cowboys a backup with legitimate developmental upside should Prescott face further injury setbacks in 2025.