Patriots Trade Quarterback Joe Milton to Dallas Cowboys

In a surprising move on Thursday, the New England Patriots have traded quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL on Fox. The trade includes Milton and a 7th-round draft pick heading to Dallas, while the Patriots receive a 5th-round draft pick in return, as confirmed by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Joe Milton, selected by the Patriots in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, spent his rookie season as a backup quarterback. His time in New England was relatively brief, with Milton appearing in just one game during the 2024 season. In that lone appearance, he threw for 241 yards, completing 76 percent of his passes, and added a rushing touchdown to his stat line. Though his playing time was limited, Milton showed flashes of potential, offering glimpses of the talent that made him a highly-regarded prospect coming out of college.

Milton began his college career as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he played for one season. During his time at Tennessee, he threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while completing 64.7 percent of his passes. His strong arm and mobility made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, and it was the Patriots who ultimately took a chance on him in the 2023 draft.

The trade comes on the heels of reports that the Patriots have found their new starting quarterback in Drake Maye, a highly-touted prospect. With Maye now set to lead the team, Milton became expendable, and the Patriots opted to move him to Dallas. The Cowboys, who have been searching for depth at quarterback behind Dak Prescott, could provide Milton with a fresh start and an opportunity to develop further under their system.

For the Cowboys, this trade is seen as a low-risk move with potential upside. Milton’s strong arm and dual-threat capabilities give him intriguing potential as a backup to Prescott. With the Cowboys always looking to build depth and competition at key positions, this trade adds another layer to their quarterback room.

The Patriots, in exchange for Milton, gain an additional 5th-round draft pick, giving them more flexibility in the upcoming draft to bolster other areas of their roster. As for Milton, this move represents a new chapter in his young NFL career, as he looks to carve out a future in Dallas and continue his development in the league.