Patriots trade quarterback Joe Milton to Cowboys for a fifth-round pick
- Joe Milton was traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys after just one season.
- Milton impressed in his Week 18 performance against the Buffalo Bills, which led to trade inquiries.
- The Cowboys are now set to have Milton as their primary backup behind Dak Prescott.
In early April 2025, the New England Patriots announced the trade of quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys. This decision was made after the Patriots signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs, which complicated Milton's position on the roster. Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had spent his rookie season as a backup, ultimately earning a chance to play in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, where he performed impressively. Following this performance, the Patriots received multiple trade inquiries for Milton, indicating interest from several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Ultimately, the Patriots traded Milton and a seventh-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round pick, giving the Cowboys a young backup to support Dak Prescott after Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens. This trade allows Milton to pursue his desire for a competitive opportunity while leaving the Patriots with a clearer focus on their starting quarterback, Drake Maye, who was picked third overall the previous year.