Joe Milton III changes team: Cowboys add QB after a whirlwind trade

The Dallas Cowboys have made a move in the NFL offseason, bringing in Joe Milton III to strengthen their quarterback depth.

The 25-year-old was a sixth-round pick for the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had few chances last season but showed evidence of his talent in the Patriots’ final game, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.

For the Cowboys Dak Prescott is the undisputed starter at quarterback, despite a string of unconvincing 2024 performances. But a backup was needed as former No. 2 Cooper Rush joined the Baltimore Ravens, leaving Will Grier as the only other QB on the Cowboys roster.

Milton has one of the strongest arms in the league and the upside of the move is significant. However he is very inexperienced and Prescott has suffered injuries in four of the past five seasons, suggesting that Milton could get game time in 2025.

What is Joe Milton III’s salary in Dallas?

The Cowboys have swapped a No. 171 pick in this year’s NFL Draft for Joe Milton III and a No. 217 pick. Dallas moved down 46 spots in the draft to bring in Milton but it could prove a good decision if he makes good on his potential.

He will be a relatively cheap backup for the Cowboys, who are dropping a league-record $60 million-per-year on starter Dak Prescott. In stark contrast, Joe Milton will average $1.075 million per season across the course of his three-year $3.225 million deal. Milton’s salary is around half what they paid to previous backup Trey Lance and less than the Ravens will be paying Cooper Rush.

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