The Dallas Cowboys have made a trade with the New England Patriots to bring Joe Milton III on board as their backup quarterback. This move follows the Cowboys' earlier efforts to develop Trey Lance, which did not yield the desired results.
The trade was facilitated by the Patriots' strong quarterback lineup, which includes franchise quarterback Drake Maye and the recent addition of Joshua Dobbs. As part of the deal, the Cowboys sent a late-round pick, specifically the 171st overall selection, to the Patriots, allowing Dallas to shift to the 217th pick in the 2025 draft.
Milton's initial performance in a single game during 2024 had indicated potential, but concerns arose during training camp regarding his readiness for a starting position. His previous season saw limited playtime, primarily during games that were already decided, where he displayed both notable skills and errors.
To enhance their quarterback depth, the Cowboys also signed free agent Sam Howell, providing a more seasoned alternative as they approached training camp. Recently, Milton has shown marked improvement, particularly in decision-making and composure, leading to increased optimism among fans about his contributions this season.
The Cowboys have yet to disclose detailed plans for Milton and Howell as they continue their evaluations ahead of the season.