The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move by acquiring Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots to fill the backup quarterback position. This decision follows the Cowboys' earlier efforts to develop Trey Lance, which did not yield the expected results.
The trade was facilitated by the Patriots' strong quarterback lineup, including franchise quarterback Drake Maye and the recent addition of Joshua Dobbs. In exchange for Milton, the Cowboys sent a late-round pick, specifically the 171st overall selection, to New England, allowing Dallas to shift back to the 217th pick in the 2025 draft.
Although the Cowboys initially had high hopes for Milton, who showed promise in his one-game debut in 2024, concerns arose during training camp regarding his readiness for a starting role. Last season, Milton's limited playtime revealed both potential and mistakes during games that were already decided.
To enhance their quarterback options, the Cowboys also signed free agent Sam Howell. Recent practices have shown Milton making notable improvements in decision-making and composure, raising expectations among fans for his contributions this season. The team's strategy regarding Milton and Howell remains under evaluation as the season approaches.
