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Joe Milton joins Cowboys: A depth addition or a future star in making?

Joe Milton joins Cowboys: A depth addition or a future star in making?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 3, 2025, 22:45 IST

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The Dallas Cowboys acquired quarterback Joe Milton from the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick. Standing at 6�?�?and possessing a strong arm, Milton offers potential but needs skill refinement. While Dak Prescott remains the starter, the Cowboys aim to solidify their backup quarterback position, potentially eyeing Milton as a long-term project.

Joe Milton joins Cowboys: A depth addition or a future star in making?

Joe Milton (via: Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys have made an intriguing move by acquiring quarterback Joe Milton from the New England Patriots. While it may not be a headline-grabbing trade, it raises multiple questions about the Cowboys�?strategy. Are they simply filling out their quarterback depth chart, or do they see Milton as a potential long-term piece? With a strong arm and raw athleticism, Milton brings undeniable upside, but can he refine his skills under Dallas�?system? Could this be a low-risk, high-reward move that pays off down the line?

Dallas Cowboys bolster QB depth with Joe Milton acquisition

Cowboys acquire Joe Milton from the Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round pick | NFL | THE FACILITY

With Dak Prescott as the unquestioned starter, the Cowboys needed to solidify their backup situation after losing Cooper Rush to free agency. Milton now joins Prescott and Will Grier, adding depth to a room that lacked an experienced No. 2 option. While Milton isn’t expected to challenge Prescott, Dallas knows firsthand how crucial a capable backup can be last season’s injury to Prescott forced backups into key roles.

Milton, 25, was a sixth-round pick by New England in the 2024 NFL Draft but found himself the odd man out when the Patriots signed veteran Josh Dobbs. His only NFL start came in Week 18, where he helped lead the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. However, that game featured Buffalo resting starters, making it difficult to evaluate Milton’s full capabilities.
At 6�?�?and 246 pounds, Milton has the ideal size and a cannon for an arm, earning him the nickname "Bazooka Joe." His final season at Tennessee saw him throw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions, proving he can stretch the field. However, scouts have raised concerns about his accuracy and ability to make quick decisions under pressure—two areas that can determine a quarterback’s longevity in the league.
The Cowboys coaching staff will have a project on their hands, but they’ve successfully developed quarterbacks before. Prescott himself was a fourth-round pick who wasn’t expected to start immediately, yet he took over and never looked back. If Milton soaks in the system and refines his game, he could become a valuable asset down the road.

Joe Milton’s future with Cowboys

While this trade appears to be a simple depth move, it could have future implications. Prescott is under contract for now, but with ongoing contract negotiations, Dallas might be looking at alternative options. Could Milton be a long-term project the Cowboys want to develop just in case? Or is he merely a short-term backup to ensure they have a competent No. 2?
Also Read: Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future: A strategic holdout or running out of options?
At the very least, the Cowboys have secured a physically gifted quarterback with plenty of room to grow. If he shows promise in training camp and preseason, he could cement himself as more than just an insurance policy. Whether this trade turns into a hidden gem or just a depth addition, Milton’s time in Dallas will be one to watch.

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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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