The New England Patriots traded quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. This deal involves 2025 NFL Draft picks. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the swap. New England gets the No. 171 overall pick in the fifth round. Dallas receives Milton and the No. 217 pick in the seventh round. This trade ends Milton’s short stint with the Patriots. It also opens a new door with the Cowboys.
Joe Milton’s Rookie Season with the Patriots
Milton, 25, spent most of his rookie year on the scout team. He often dressed as the emergency third quarterback. His big moment came in January against the Buffalo Bills. Replacing Drake Maye after the first drive, he led a 23-16 win. The Patriots finished the season at 4-13. Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards. He threw one touchdown and ran for 16 yards with another score. His skills from the Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers shone through.
A Step Forward for Milton
Milton spoke after the game at Gillette Stadium. “Today was a great step for my development,” he said. “The average NFL career is three years. I take every rep seriously.” He played 61 offensive snaps in that game. However, Drake Maye remains the Patriots’ future. Selected No. 3 overall in 2024, Maye outshines Milton, the No. 193 pick.
Drake Maye’s Rise in New England
Maye, 22, had an impressive rookie season. He completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards. He threw 15 touchdowns and ten interceptions in 12 starts. The North Carolina Tar Heels alum added 421 rushing yards and two scores. He earned a Pro Bowl alternate spot. Now, only Joshua Dobbs backs him up. Dobbs signed a two-year, $8 million deal in March.
A New Role in Dallas
Milton now joins the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. At 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, he’ll back up Dak Prescott. The Cowboys see his potential as valuable. This trade follows Jacoby Brissett’s exit from New England. Brissett now supports Kyler Murray with the Arizona Cardinals. Milton’s journey reflects the NFL’s unpredictability. His talent could thrive in Dallas.
