New England is sending QB Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, sources tell ESPN. With Cooper Rush going to Baltimore, Dallas now has a new backup for Dak Prescott
The NFL offseason continues to unfold with high-stakes moves and franchise-shaping decisions, and one of the latest involves a notable quarterback change for the Dallas Cowboys. According to sources confirmed by ESPN, the New England Patriots are sending quarterback Joe Milton to Dallas, filling a critical backup role behind starter Dak Prescott. This move comes just as Cooper Rush, Prescott’s longtime understudy, is reported to be heading to the Baltimore Ravens. While this trade might not shake the ground in the same way a blockbuster quarterback trade might, it’s a decision layered with intrigue, potential, and long-term implications for both Dallas and New England.
Joe Milton, a towering 6’5” quarterback with a cannon for an arm, has had a fascinating football journey. Coming out of college, he drew attention not just for his physical tools, but for his raw potential and flashes of brilliance. Milton began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee, where he began to polish some of the rougher edges in his game. Although consistency remained an issue at times, there was never any doubt about the sheer talent and upside he carried. That talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, and while he wasn’t among the top names in his draft class, he earned a place in the league with New England, where he had been developing behind Mac Jones and others.
For the Patriots, this trade marks a strategic shift. With a quarterback room that includes former first-rounder Mac Jones and potentially another young developmental prospect, the Patriots appeared to be more focused on consolidating their roster depth in other areas. Trading Milton allows them to free up space while acquiring possible future draft capital or roster assets—details of which have not been disclosed at the time of reporting. But what’s most intriguing here is the signal it sends about the Patriots’ quarterback confidence and how they view Milton’s long-term fit in their offensive scheme.
From Dallas’s perspective, the decision to bring in Milton comes at a pivotal moment. Cooper Rush, who has served as a capable and steady backup to Dak Prescott, had developed a reputation for being reliable in spot starts and situational play. His departure to Baltimore opens a vacuum—one that the Cowboys couldn’t afford to leave unaddressed, especially considering Prescott’s history of injuries and the brutal, unpredictable nature of the NFL regular season. Bringing in Milton suggests a level of confidence in his potential and perhaps a belief that he could be more than just a traditional backup.
Milton’s arrival in Dallas raises several interesting questions about the Cowboys’ direction and their approach to quarterback depth. Prescott is, without question, the starter and the leader of the team. However, he’s also approaching a contractual and strategic crossroads. With ongoing discussions around extensions, cap space, and long-term team building, the presence of a young, inexpensive backup quarterback like Milton could be part of a broader effort to balance the roster financially and keep options open.
Milton’s skill set is markedly different from Rush’s. While Rush brought a cerebral, steady, game-manager approach to the table, Milton is a dynamic, big-play threat with the ability to stretch the field in a way few backups can. His arm strength is elite by any measure—something that’s been evident since his college days—and he adds mobility that can stress defenses in creative ways. However, what he gains in raw ability, he still needs to refine in decision-making, accuracy under pressure, and game management.
