After a 7-10 finish in 2024, the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy after five seasons. To replace him, Dallas hired longtime NFL offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as his next head coach.
This offseason, the Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush left for the Baltimore Ravens free agency. Ahead of this month’s NFL Draft, Dallas found a new backup for Dak Prescott. The Patriots traded Joe Milton for the seventh pick for Dallas in exchange for the fifth pick.
Joe Milton is the new backup QB for the Dallas Cowboys
The Patriots trade QB Joe Milton III and trade the seventh pick to Dallas in exchange for the fifth round per source.
Milton has attracted attention from multiple teams, but will become the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/pcfdbcwsty
“Diana Rassini (@mmrussini) April 3, 2025
In the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots chose QB Joe Milton from Tennessee. Milton began his career in Michigan in 2018. He played three seasons for Wolverine before transferring to Tennessee. Volunteering in 2023, Milton made a career-high 12 start. He finished with 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Additionally, Milton had 78 carries and seven rushing touchdowns for 299 yards. As a rookie with the Patriots in 2024, Milton made only one appearance in New England. He was in a tough place as a newcomer who drafted two QBs by the Patriots. They used the third overall pick to draft Drake Maymey from UNC. May was a full-time Patriot starter.
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys traded for the Patriots to acquire backup QB Jo Milton. The 25-year-old is known for his elite arm talent. Milton can easily throw balls of over 70 yards. There have also been reports that he can consistently throw more than 80 yards. As the Cooper Rush left this offseason, Dallas had to find a new backup. Joe Milton is their answer. He sits behind an experienced QB like Dak Prescott and learns how to become a pro. In the 18th week of the 2024 season, Milton was 22-29 for 241 yards and one touchdown.