NFLTrades

Patriots Trade QB Joe Milton to Cowboys in Draft Pick Swap

about 1 year agoGB
Patriots Trade QB Joe Milton to Cowboys in Draft Pick SwapSource: nbcsports.com
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired quarterback Joe Milton from the New England Patriots in a trade reported around early April 2025. This move provides the Cowboys with a new backup option behind Dak Prescott, while the Patriots continue to shape their quarterback room after drafting Drake Maye the previous year.

Key Insights

Trade Details: The Patriots traded QB Joe Milton and a 2025 7th-round draft pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 5th-round draft pick.

Milton's Background: Milton (25) was selected by the Patriots in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

Promising Glimpse: He spent most of his rookie season as the third QB but impressed in the Week 18 finale against the Buffalo Bills (who rested many starters), completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, throwing one touchdown, and rushing for another.

Why This Matters (Cowboys): Dallas needed depth after backup Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Milton offers a young, inexpensive quarterback with potential upside to develop behind Dak Prescott, amidst ongoing (though unconfirmed) rumors about Prescott's own future.

Why This Matters (Patriots): New England had reportedly received multiple trade inquiries for Milton and recently signed veteran Joshua Dobbs to back up second-year starter Drake Maye. The trade allows them to recoup some draft capital.

In-Depth Analysis

The trade sends Joe Milton to a Cowboys quarterback room facing some uncertainty. While Dak Prescott remains the starter, his large contract, recent injury history (including a hamstring issue limiting him in 2024), and a 2-5 playoff record keep discussions about his long-term future active. Former backup Cooper Rush's departure created a clear need, and 2021 first-rounder Trey Lance remains a free agent after a stint with Dallas. Milton will likely compete with Will Grier for the primary backup role.

For the Patriots, the move solidifies the quarterback depth chart behind starter Drake Maye, with newly signed Joshua Dobbs stepping into the QB2 role. Moving Milton, for whom they reportedly received interest from several teams, allows them to gain a mid-round draft pick while clearing the path for their preferred QB structure. Milton himself reportedly sought an opportunity to compete, which he may find in Dallas depending on how the QB situation evolves. His performance in the final game of the 2024 season, though against backups, showcased the arm talent that made him intriguing coming out of college.

FAQs

Q: What were the exact terms of the Joe Milton trade?

A: The New England Patriots sent quarterback Joe Milton and a 2025 7th-round draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2025 5th-round draft pick.

Q: Why did the Cowboys trade for Joe Milton?

A: Dallas required a backup quarterback following Cooper Rush's departure. Milton represents a young, cost-controlled player with developmental potential who can learn behind Dak Prescott and compete for the QB2 spot.

Q: Who is Joe Milton?

A: Joe Milton is a 25-year-old quarterback drafted by the Patriots in the 6th round in 2024 after playing college football at Tennessee and Michigan. He saw limited action as a rookie but played well in the final game of the season.

Key Takeaways

The Cowboys address their backup quarterback need with a young player known for his strong arm.

The Patriots gain a higher draft pick and clarify their quarterback hierarchy behind starter Drake Maye.

This trade underscores the ongoing movement and value placed on backup quarterbacks across the NFL. Milton gets a fresh start and potentially a clearer path to playing time compared to staying in New England.

Discussion

This move adds an interesting dynamic to the Cowboys' quarterback situation. Do you think Joe Milton has the potential to be more than just a backup in Dallas? Let us know your thoughts!

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Sources & References

Source 1: Patriots trade Joe Milton to Cowboys{target="_blank"} - NBC Sports

Source 2: Dallas Cowboys trade for new quarterback amid Dak Prescott exit rumors{target="_blank"} - Daily Mail Online

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