Joe Milton Expresses Surprise Over Patriots-Cowboys Trade, Reflects on NFL Journey and What Lies Ahead with America’s Team

Joe Milton’s NFL journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys. For many around the league, the move was a blip in a busy offseason filled with quarterback movement and franchise reshuffling. But for Milton, it was a moment that prompted reflection, surprise, and a renewed sense of determination.

In a candid moment following his first day at Cowboys minicamp, the former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback admitted, “I was surprised. I didn’t expect to be traded, especially this early. I thought I’d have a chance to grow in New England.” That sense of shock echoed throughout his conversation with reporters and resonated deeply among fans of both franchises.

Milton was selected in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Patriots. While he wasn’t expected to compete for a starting job right away, many believed his blend of size, arm strength, and athletic upside made him a developmental prospect worth keeping around. New England had struggled to find quarterback consistency since Tom Brady’s departure, and Milton represented a low-risk, high-reward option to stash and develop behind a veteran.

But just weeks after his arrival, the Patriots made a move that shifted his trajectory dramatically. The Cowboys, with backup concerns behind Dak Prescott and a front office eager to inject youth into the position group, saw Milton as an ideal fit for their offense. His mobility and raw arm talent fit the modern NFL mold, and the Cowboys didn’t hesitate to give up a future fifth-round pick to bring him in.

Milton, however, had no inkling the move was coming.

“I found out from my agent,” Milton said. “He called and told me I was being moved to Dallas. I didn’t even talk to anyone in the building before the news broke.” That abruptness, while not uncommon in the business-first NFL, left Milton in an emotional limbo. One moment he was learning the Patriots’ complex playbook and preparing for life in Foxborough; the next, he was on a flight to Texas, greeted by a new set of teammates, coaches, and expectations.

Still, Milton isn’t dwelling on the past. In fact, his attitude since arriving in Dallas has been one of optimism and forward-looking energy. “I’m here now, and I’ve got a job to do,” he said. “Dallas gave me an opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

The Cowboys’ coaching staff has echoed that sentiment, noting that Milton’s physical gifts are already evident and that he’s taken well to early instruction. “He’s got one of the strongest arms I’ve ever seen in a rookie,” said Cowboys quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien. “But beyond that, he’s hungry to learn. You can tell he wants to prove something—not just to us, but to himself.”

Indeed, Milton’s career up to this point has been one defined by perseverance. Originally a Michigan Wolverine, he transferred to Tennessee after losing the starting job and reinvented himself in the SEC. Though inconsistent at times, he flashed elite-level throws and matured significantly as a leader during his final college season. That growth, combined with his imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and 70-yard arm, made him an intriguing NFL prospect, even if he remained a raw one.

“People always look at the arm first,” Milton said with a grin. “That’s cool. But I want people to see the work ethic, the preparation, the film study. I’ve grown a lot since my first year in college, and I’m still growing every day.”

The Cowboys appear to be giving Milton a clean slate, emphasizing that he’ll be judged not by his draft position or previous team affiliation, but by what he shows on the field and in the meeting room. With Prescott entering a pivotal year contractually and backup Cooper Rush nearing the end of his deal, the opportunity for Milton to establish himself as a long-term option behind—or potentially beyond—Prescott isn’t far-fetched.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy noted that Milton’s developmental arc is still at the beginning but said, “The tools are there. If he keeps stacking good days, he’ll be in the mix when it matters.” Those comments hint at the potential for Milton to not only earn a roster spot but perhaps take meaningful preseason reps to show what he can do under center.

For Milton, the key now is focus. He knows the NFL doesn’t wait for anyone and that surprise trades, like the one that brought him to Dallas, are part of the deal. What matters is how he responds.

“I’m not bitter,” Milton said when asked if he felt disrespected by the Patriots’ decision. “It’s business. They did what they felt was best, and now I’m in a place that believes in me. That’s all I can ask for.”

Despite the whirlwind of the last few weeks, Milton is already settling into life in Dallas. He’s been seen bonding with younger players on the offense, absorbing information from coaches, and staying after practice to fine-tune his footwork and timing. The early returns have been promising, and within the Cowboys organization, there’s a sense of quiet excitement about what Milton could become.

“He’s got all the tools,” said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. “And more importantly, he’s got the right approach. That’s what gives you a chance in this league.”

Milton’s surprise over the trade is understandable—it disrupted his plans and threw him into a new system before he even got his footing in the first one. But it also served as a reminder that the NFL is rarely linear. Development, opportunity, and longevity all depend on timing, fit, and a fair share of luck.

Now, Milton finds himself in one of the league’s most visible markets, wearing one of its most iconic uniforms, and potentially beginning a story that few could have predicted even a month ago. The surprise may have been real, but so too is the chance.

“I’m just grateful,” Milton said at the close of his session with reporters. “Not everybody gets to play in the NFL. Not everybody gets a second chance before the first one even starts. I’m going to make the most of it.”

With OTAs and minicamps continuing through the summer and the preseason looming, Milton will have ample opportunity to show the Cowboys—and the rest of the league—that he belongs. Whether he becomes a starter, backup, or developmental project, he’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie merely happy to be drafted. He’s a quarterback with something to prove, and the unexpected nature of his journey may just be the thing that fuels him to succeed.

In a league built on moments, Joe Milton’s latest one might turn out to be the first chapter in a new and defining story. One thing is certain—he’s not taking anything for granted anymore.