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The Dallas Cowboys have secured a new backup quarterback for Dak Prescott, as they reportedly acquire Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots in exchange for late-round draft picks. This trade comes as the Cowboys aim to strengthen their quarterback depth, especially after losing Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are sending a compensatory fifth-round pick to the Patriots, who will return Milton along with a seventh-round pick. The move is expected to provide valuable insurance for Prescott, who has faced injury setbacks in recent years.
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Milton, 25, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While his regular-season experience is limited, he impressed in preseason action, showing flashes of potential. In the final game of the 2024 season, Milton played against the Buffalo Bills and completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown. This strong performance earned him a chance to serve as Prescott’s backup heading into the 2025 season.
The Cowboys are looking for stability at the quarterback position after a tough season. Prescott, who missed significant time in both 2022 and 2024 due to injuries, struggled with performance issues last year, throwing 11 touchdowns and 8 interceptions before being sidelined for the remainder of the season. With the Cowboys coming off a playoff miss, the pressure is on Prescott to perform in 2025. If injuries strike again, Milton could be the team’s answer to a reliable backup quarterback.
Dallas is betting on Prescott’s recovery, having signed him to a massive four-year, $240 million extension in 2024. However, the addition of Milton ensures that the Cowboys will have a promising young talent to step in if needed, adding another layer of depth to their quarterback situation.