Quarterback Joe Milton III has taken an unexpected path this NFL offseason. After being drafted by the New England Patriots and closing the season with a strong Week 18 performance, the 25-year-old was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Team owner Jerry Jones is still surprised the Cowboys were able to get him. “I really have to pinch myself that we got him after the last game that he had up there, starting there for New England,” Jones said in an interview on 105.3 The Fan, adding, “I’m just excited that we had a chance to get him. And he hasn’t disappointed. He’s actually… We’re just more and more encouraged by what we’re seeing.”
Joe Milton’s path from college backup to NFL opportunity
Milton started his college career at Michigan, where he struggled to lock down the starting job. After transferring to Tennessee, he went on to become the Volunteers’ full-time starter. The Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to add depth behind rookie Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett.He began the season as the third-string quarterback but got his chance to play in Week 18. Milton impressed, completing 75% of his passes for 241 yards and two total touchdowns. That performance got fans talking, with some questioning whether Milton should start over Maye, who finished 3-9 during the regular season but still made the Pro Bowl. With Brissett moving on to Arizona Cardinals and Josh Dobbs signing in New England, Milton became the odd man out. That’s when the Cowboys made their move, trading for Milton and sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Milton and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Joe Milton makes his first start with the Dallas Cowboys
Milton got his first opportunity with the Cowboys in their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. With Dak Prescott still rehabbing and not expected to play, head coach Brian Schottenheimer gave Milton the start. Will Grier served as backup.Milton had a shaky start, but he settled in later in the game. He threw a 7-yard touchdown to free agent tight end Rivaldo Fairweather and completed a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Traeshon Holden – the team’s longest play of the game. Before exiting in the fourth quarter with an elbow injury, Milton finished 17 of 29 for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
More chances ahead for Milton this preseason
Milton has already generated buzz during Cowboys training camp thanks to his strong arm and willingness to learn. His relationship with veteran quarterback Dak Prescott has helped, and coaches have noted his steady growth. With two more preseason games left — against the Baltimore Ravens and the Atlanta Falcons – Milton will have more chances to improve.Also read: Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne was shocked by a reporter’s question about his wife–“Can I get her number?”It’s too early to know what his long-term role in Dallas will be, but for now, the Cowboys like what they see.
