The New England Patriots surprised many by trading quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys.
The move raised eyebrows across the NFL, as Milton had shown promise as an athletic prospect with significant upside.
In his only start last season, Milton displayed the powerful arm strength and athletic ability that made him a standout performer in college.
Despite his potential, the Patriots opted to move on from Milton, and ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently shared insights on how the deal materialized.
“I think Joe Milton was given permission to seek a trade,” Schefter said, via Brandon Loree. “I think that he recognized that Drake Maye was there, and they went out and signed Josh Dobbs as a veteran (backup).”
ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, on his podcast, talks about the #Cowboys trade for QB Joe Milton.
It sounds like the trade was a win-win for both sides, considering Milton wanted a fresh start, and Dallas wanted a backup to compete with Will Grier for QB2.
🎥: @AdamSchefter Podcast pic.twitter.com/yr3Q68YrkJ
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 7, 2025
According to Schefter, the deal benefits both teams.
For Milton, a sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Dallas presents an opportunity to compete for the backup position behind an established veteran starter (Dak Prescott).
The Cowboys had clear motivation to add quarterback depth after losing Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as free agents this offseason.
With Will Grier as the only backup to Prescott, Dallas needed another quarterback through either the 2025 NFL Draft or the trade market.
Milton became available at the perfect time, prompting the Cowboys to make the move.
While Patriots fans might question trading away a player Schefter suggested had No. 1 overall pick potential, the move aligns with New England’s commitment to Maye as its quarterback of the future.
By finding Milton a spot where he can develop, the Patriots showed respect for the young quarterback’s career aspirations within their own roster priorities.
