In early April 2025, the Dallas Cowboys made a strategic move by acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. This decision marked a significant shift in the team’s quarterback depth chart and signaled a new chapter for Milton, who had previously been drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The trade, which involved sending a fifth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round pick, was influenced by Milton’s expressed preference to join the Cowboys, despite interest from other teams like the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders .
Milton’s Journey to the NFL
Milton’s football journey began at the University of Michigan, where he spent three seasons before transferring to the University of Tennessee. During his time at Tennessee, he showcased his exceptional arm strength and athleticism. In his final college season, Milton threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only five interceptions over 12 games, while also rushing for seven touchdowns .
One of Milton’s most memorable moments came during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, where he demonstrated his impressive arm strength by launching a 70-yard pass to Mississippi State wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin. This throw, along with others, highlighted Milton’s potential as a deep-ball passer .
Transition to the NFL
Milton’s transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the sixth round of the 2024 Draft by the New England Patriots. However, his tenure with the Patriots was short-lived. Despite a promising performance in Week 18, where he completed 75.9% of his passes for 241 yards and a touchdown in a victory over the Buffalo Bills, Milton found himself behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye on the depth chart .
Joining the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ decision to trade for Milton was driven by the departure of previous backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. With Dak Prescott firmly established as the starter, the Cowboys sought a young, high-upside backup who could develop under Prescott’s mentorship. Milton, with his raw talent and potential, fit this profile .
Expressing his excitement about joining the Cowboys, Milton shared, “It’s a dream come true. Growing up, my family was always Cowboys fans, and now I get to be a part of this organization. I’m ready to learn from Dak and contribute to the team’s success.”
Playing with Dak Prescott
As the backup to Dak Prescott, Milton has the unique opportunity to learn from one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Prescott’s leadership and experience are invaluable assets for Milton as he continues to develop his skills. Milton has expressed his eagerness to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Prescott, stating, “Dak’s been in this league for a long time. His understanding of the game is something I admire, and I’m looking forward to learning from him every day.”
Arm Strength and Throwing Distance
Milton’s arm strength has been a defining characteristic throughout his football career. While rumors have circulated about him being able to throw a football 100 yards, Milton himself has downplayed these claims. In an interview, he stated, “The furthest I’ve probably thrown here was 60 yards. I wouldn’t say 100. Not yet. I’ve got to work in the weight room a little bit more” .
Despite his modesty, Milton’s ability to throw deep passes with accuracy and velocity is well-documented. During his time at Tennessee, he consistently made throws exceeding 70 yards, showcasing his elite arm talent .
Looking Ahead
As Milton embarks on this new chapter with the Dallas Cowboys, the team’s coaching staff is optimistic about his potential. With continued development and guidance from veteran players like Prescott, Milton has the opportunity to evolve into a formidable quarterback in the NFL.
For the Cowboys, the acquisition of Joe Milton III represents a forward-thinking approach to building a strong quarterback room. By investing in a young talent with immense potential, the team is laying the groundwork for future success.
Joe Milton III’s journey from a promising college quarterback to a backup in the NFL is a testament to his talent and determination. As he joins the Dallas Cowboys, Milton is poised to continue his development and contribute to the team’s success in the seasons to come. With his impressive arm strength and commitment to improvement, the future looks bright for Milton in Dallas.
