As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the future of Joe Milton III with the New England Patriots was growing increasingly uncertain. The sophomore quarterback’s time with the Patriots came to a definitive end this week, as he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. This trade marks the conclusion of Milton’s brief stint in New England, which never fully materialized into a long-term opportunity.
The move comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Milton’s future with the Patriots. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz shared new details on the trade, clarifying that the Patriots had granted Milton permission to seek a trade, with the Cowboys emerging as the frontrunners. “My understanding is the Patriots recently gave QB Joe Milton III permission to seek a trade and the Cowboys were the team that showed the most interest from the start,” Schultz posted on X. “A deal has been in the works for a number of weeks now, and finally got done early this morning.”
The trade comes after a promising performance by Milton in the Patriots’ 2024 season finale, which helped raise his stock and put him on the radar of several teams, including Dallas.
Joe Milton III Joins the Dallas Cowboys
For the Dallas Cowboys, Milton’s acquisition was a calculated move. The team had been in the market for a new backup quarterback after the departure of Cooper Rush, who left for the Baltimore Ravens, and the disappointing outcome of the Trey Lance experiment. With Milton’s arm strength and potential, the Cowboys see an opportunity to develop the young quarterback into a valuable asset.
Milton, who hails from Tennessee, brings with him raw talent that the Cowboys are eager to cultivate. Despite his short tenure with New England, he gained some attention with a stellar performance in the Patriots’ season finale. His potential was enough to catch the eye of the Cowboys’ front office, who saw a chance to secure a promising backup quarterback for the future.
The Patriots’ Next Step: Joshua Dobbs
For the Patriots, the trade signals a shift in their quarterback depth chart. With Milton out of the picture, veteran Joshua Dobbs is now expected to serve as Drake Maye’s backup. Dobbs, who has been in the league for nine years, signed a two-year deal with the Patriots in free agency and will look to provide stability to the quarterback room.
As New England continues to adjust its roster, the focus will shift to integrating Dobbs into the system as the potential understudy to the rookie Maye. The Patriots are hoping that the experienced Dobbs can be a steady presence behind their young quarterback and contribute to the team’s success as they continue to rebuild for the future.
What’s Next for Joe Milton III?
For Milton, the move to Dallas represents a new beginning and a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in a new environment. The Cowboys’ coaching staff, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, will look to refine his game and harness his raw potential. Whether Milton becomes a significant player for the Cowboys remains to be seen, but this trade certainly opens a new chapter in his NFL career.
As the trade rumors swirled and the deal finally went through, the Patriots and Cowboys both made significant moves to solidify their quarterback depth. For the Patriots, it’s the end of a chapter with Milton, and for the Cowboys, it’s the start of a potentially exciting new development.