The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to quarterback controversies, but this year’s backup quarterback competition has taken an unexpected turn. With Dak Prescott returning to full health after a serious hamstring injury last season, the Cowboys are hopeful their star quarterback will lead the team without interruption in 2025. However, the departure of reliable backup Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens has left a gaping hole in the quarterback room, sparking a heated battle for the QB2 spot. While the competition was expected to be a close race between newcomers Joe Milton and Will Grier, it seems one player has already surged ahead, and it’s not who you might expect.
A New Contender Emerges
The Cowboys made a bold move in the offseason, trading with the New England Patriots to acquire Joe Milton, a former Tennessee Volunteers standout known for his jaw-dropping arm strength. Milton, a quarterback with raw potential, has quickly caught the attention of the Cowboys’ coaching staff and analysts alike. Despite his limited NFL experience, Milton’s physical gifts have made him a standout in training camp, and many believe he’s already secured the backup role behind Prescott.
According to Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys’ official website, Milton has the edge over fellow backup candidate Will Grier. Yarrish noted, “It’s hard for me to place high expectations when the backup quarterbacks on the roster have played in a combined three regular season games with just 148 snaps of offense between the two of them. That doesn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence, but that doesn’t mean that Joe Milton and/or Will Grier can’t help the Cowboys win games. I think Milton gives you a better shot than Grier does, but he’s still got a lot of growing to do from a processing standpoint and putting all the pieces of being an NFL quarterback together.”
Milton’s Potential Shines Through
Milton’s rise is particularly surprising given his lack of experience at the professional level. Drafted by the Patriots, he saw limited action before being traded to Dallas, but his college tape at Tennessee showcased a cannon of an arm capable of making any throw on the field. His ability to stretch defenses with deep passes and his surprising mobility for a quarterback of his size have drawn comparisons to high-upside prospects of the past.
However, Milton isn’t without his challenges. As Yarrish pointed out, his processing skills and ability to read NFL defenses need refinement. The Cowboys are banking on his raw talent and work ethic to translate into on-field success if called upon. Unlike Trey Lance, another high-potential quarterback who struggled to live up to expectations in Dallas, Milton seems to be on a faster track to earning the trust of the coaching staff.
The Will Grier Factor
Will Grier, the other contender in the backup battle, brings slightly more experience to the table but has yet to prove himself as a consistent NFL quarterback. With only a handful of snaps in his career, Grier’s ceiling appears lower than Milton’s, and his performances in camp haven’t generated the same buzz. While Grier offers a steady, if unspectacular, option, it’s clear that Milton’s upside is what has the Cowboys’ staff excited.
A Lesson from the Past
The Cowboys’ reliance on Cooper Rush last season after Prescott’s injury highlighted the importance of a capable backup. Rush’s ability to step in and keep the team competitive was a lifeline for Dallas, and the organization knows it can’t afford to be unprepared in 2025. Milton’s emergence as the frontrunner for the backup role is a gamble, but it’s one that could pay off if he continues to develop.
What’s Next for Milton and the Cowboys?
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Joe Milton to see if he can live up to the hype. The Cowboys are banking on Prescott staying healthy, but if the worst happens, Milton’s arm talent and athleticism could be the spark Dallas needs to stay in the playoff hunt. For now, it seems the backup quarterback battle is already tilting heavily in Milton’s favor, marking him as the unexpected star of this offseason.
Could Joe Milton be the next great Cowboys quarterback story? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the QB2 battle in Dallas is heating up, and Milton is leading the charge.
