Joe Milton’s NFL journey has taken a dramatic turn as the New England Patriots traded him to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season. Milton, known for his powerful arm and impressive college career, made a strong impression during his brief 2024 appearance with the Patriots, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the potential he showed, New England chose to move him, sending him along with a seventh-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
The reason for the trade? New England had already invested heavily in Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, and reportedly didn’t want Milton’s talent to overshadow Maye’s development. The decision was partly due to concerns that Milton could challenge Maye for the starting role, creating unnecessary competition in the locker room.
In contrast, the Cowboys see Milton as a potential future star, and they’re betting on his raw talent to be developed behind Dak Prescott, whose injury history could give Milton a chance to step up. Prescott, at 31 years old, has had several injuries, including a surgically repaired hamstring, making him vulnerable. The Cowboys already took a gamble on Trey Lance, and now they’re adding Milton to the mix as another backup option with high upside. While it’s unclear when Milton will be ready to start, his cannon of an arm makes him a tantalizing prospect.
The Patriots, meanwhile, have been criticized for sending Milton to a rival NFC team, raising questions about whether they took a lesser offer just to avoid dealing with him in the AFC. There’s also speculation that they may have moved him to Dallas to prevent future controversy over Maye’s role, especially given the high expectations around the rookie.
For the Cowboys, Milton could turn out to be a hidden gem or a well-timed insurance policy. With Prescott’s injury issues, he could find himself on the field sooner than expected. Whether he becomes a star or fades into obscurity remains to be seen, but Dallas certainly isn’t taking a huge risk, having only given up a fifth-round pick for a player with immense potential.