In a move that has shocked many NFL fans, the New England Patriots have traded quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys. This marks the end of Milton’s brief and tumultuous tenure with the Patriots, who now look to bolster their quarterback depth with new talent.
Joe Milton III’s Time in New England Comes to an End
As the NFL offseason progresses, it became clear that Joe Milton III didn’t have a long-term future with the New England Patriots. Despite his promising college career at Tennessee, Milton’s time in New England seemed uncertain for a while. Thursday morning, that uncertainty turned into reality when the Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a trade.
For those who’ve followed Milton’s journey, this trade represents the conclusion of his time with a franchise that just couldn’t seem to fit him into their plans. Milton’s future seemed increasingly murky as the offseason wore on, with the Patriots deciding it was time to part ways.
The Cowboys Were the Right Fit for Joe Milton III
After the deal was finalized, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz took to social media to give more insight into the trade. He confirmed that the Patriots had granted Milton permission to seek a trade, and the Cowboys were the team that showed the most consistent interest.
“My understanding is the Patriots recently gave QB Joe Milton III permission to seek a trade and the Cowboys were the team that showed the most interest from the start,” Schultz tweeted. “A deal has been in the works for a number of weeks now, and finally got done early this morning.”
Milton had spent some time behind the scenes, hoping for an opportunity to move on to a team where he could prove himself in a more prominent role. The Cowboys’ interest was clear from the start, making it evident that they were eager to get a quarterback with potential to add to their roster.
How the Trade Helps Both Teams
This trade benefits both teams in different ways. For the Dallas Cowboys, the move to acquire Joe Milton III helps address their need for a reliable backup quarterback. The Cowboys were on the lookout for a new backup after losing Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens. Moreover, the Trey Lance experiment in Dallas didn’t quite go as planned, leaving the Cowboys in need of a fresh face to support Dak Prescott.
Milton has been on the radar for teams looking to add depth to their quarterback position, especially after his standout performance in New England’s season finale. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had even pointed out on March 20 that the Cowboys were one of the teams likely to pursue Milton.
With the Cowboys making a move now, they not only get a young and talented quarterback but also add someone who’s proven his skill under pressure. Milton’s performance in the 2024 season finale, where he impressed both coaches and fans, definitely raised his stock.
What’s Next for the Patriots?
While Joe Milton III heads to Dallas, the Patriots are looking to strengthen their own quarterback situation. The Patriots have already signed ninth-year pro Joshua Dobbs to a two-year contract in free agency. Dobbs is now expected to be the understudy to rookie Drake Maye, who is likely to be the team’s starting quarterback this season.
For the Patriots, the trade reflects a shift in priorities as they aim to build their roster for the future. Dobbs brings veteran leadership and experience, which could help stabilize the quarterback room as the team transitions.
The Big Picture: A New Era for Both Teams
The trade of Joe Milton III from the Patriots to the Cowboys is a sign of the times in the NFL. Teams are constantly re-evaluating their rosters and making moves to better position themselves for the future. As for Milton, this trade could be a fresh start in a new environment where he can develop further as a quarterback.
For the Cowboys, the addition of Milton III could prove to be a smart move. If he can continue his upward trajectory from last season, he could eventually become a crucial piece of their quarterback depth.
As for the Patriots, the trade allows them to continue reshaping their roster. With Dobbs now in the mix and Milton off to Dallas, New England has set the stage for a new chapter in their quarterback saga.
In the coming months, both teams will undoubtedly continue to make moves as they strive for a successful season. One thing’s for sure: Joe Milton III’s trade to the Dallas Cowboys is just the beginning of a whole new NFL story.