Jerry Jones “Can’t Believe” Cowboys Landed QB Joe Milton III — Could He Be Dallas’ Next Steal?

A year after the Dallas Cowboys made headlines for spending a fourth-round pick on Trey Lance—a quarterback who ultimately served as a one-year backup—the franchise is taking a very different approach with Joe Milton III. In a move that has sparked excitement in Dallas, the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Milton, along with a seventh-round selection. The feeling around the team is that this time, they may have found a true bargain.

Before Dallas’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones shared his excitement about the new quarterback. “I really have to pinch myself that we got him after the last game that he had up there, starting there for New England,” Jones told Kristi Scales of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “I’m just excited that we had a chance to get him. And he hasn’t disappointed. He’s actually — we’re just more and more encouraged by what we’re seeing.”

Milton’s arrival comes after a somewhat tumultuous tenure with the Patriots. Reports suggest New England may have moved on because Milton was reluctant to fully embrace a backup role behind starter Drake Maye. The Patriots, committed to Maye as their long-term quarterback, needed their roster to buy into that hierarchy. Milton’s departure to Dallas, however, is being framed as a fresh start and an opportunity to compete in a high-profile offense.

In his preseason debut against the Rams, Milton displayed flashes of potential that justify Dallas’ confidence. Across nine drives, he completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, with a touchdown and one interception. Milton also contributed on the ground, rushing for 22 yards on five carries. While his passing performance generated a passer rating of 68.6—not spectacular by NFL standards—it showed enough promise to excite coaches and fans alike.

Unfortunately, Milton exited the game during the fourth quarter due to an elbow injury. The Cowboys have downplayed the concern, describing it as a minor bruise, and he is expected to be ready if called upon. For now, Milton serves as the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott, who missed nine games in 2024 with a hamstring injury. Should Prescott face any significant setback, Milton will be the first to step into the starting role.

The acquisition of Milton reflects Dallas’ ongoing strategy of balancing draft capital with high-upside talent. After last year’s misstep with Lance, the Cowboys are clearly aiming to maximize their resources while maintaining roster flexibility. Milton, still early in his NFL career, represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward option, giving the team depth at quarterback and a chance to develop a player who could become a key contributor.

Jerry Jones’ excitement about Milton underscores the confidence the organization has in this new addition. If Milton continues to show growth, the trade could be remembered as one of the smarter moves in recent Dallas history. For now, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the young quarterback, eager to see if he can translate his preseason glimpses into regular-season success.

Whether Milton becomes a cornerstone for the Cowboys or simply serves as a reliable backup, one thing is clear: Dallas is hopeful that this time, they’ve finally found a quarterback who can live up to the hype and potentially exceed expectations. In a league where opportunities can vanish overnight, Milton’s chance in Dallas could define the next chapter of his career—and possibly the Cowboys’ 2025 season.