In a bold move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have swooped in to claim former New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III as the new backup to star signal-caller Dak Prescott. With Cooper Rush departing in free agency, the Cowboys saw an opportunity to inject raw talent and untapped potential into their roster, and Milton fits the bill perfectly.
A sixth-round pick from the University of Tennessee, Milton arrives in Dallas with a cannon for an arm and electrifying athleticism that has already turned heads during training camp. While his experience may be limited, his ceiling is sky-high, and the Cowboys are banking on their coaching staff to polish this diamond in the rough into a future star.
Cowboys QB Joe Milton has been surprised by how much Dak Prescott has helped him. “Dak is a great leader. … All respect to him. He literally goes out of his way to help me.”
“I’ve been in another building. I know how that goes. It’s just very different over here.” pic.twitter.com/30pPwCxN9V
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 24, 2025
Milton has wasted no time endearing himself to Cowboys Nation. In a candid moment during training camp, the young quarterback didn’t hold back when reflecting on his transition from New England to Dallas. “It’s different here,” Milton said, his words carrying a subtle jab at his former team. “The Cowboys are the gold standard of the NFL. The way this organization operates, the leadership from guys like Dak—it’s night and day compared to where I was.”
Milton’s praise for Prescott was effusive, as he expressed genuine surprise at the veteran’s willingness to mentor him. “Dak’s a true leader,” Milton shared. “He’s out here every day, showing me the ropes, pushing me to get better. It’s not something you see everywhere, and it’s made me realize how special this place is.” The comment seemed to draw a stark contrast with his time in New England, where Milton’s departure was marred by criticism from Greg Bedard of The Boston Sports Journal, who labeled him “not a good dude” without providing specifics.
In Dallas, however, Milton appears to have found a home. His teammates have embraced him, and early reports from training camp highlight his jaw-dropping arm strength and dynamic playmaking ability. With Prescott typically seeing limited action in preseason games, fans are buzzing with anticipation to see Milton unleashed on the field. The upcoming exhibition games will serve as a stage for the rookie to showcase his talents and prove he’s more than just potential.
As the Cowboys gear up for the season, Milton’s arrival adds a new layer of intrigue to an already high-profile team. His combination of raw skill, confidence, and a chip on his shoulder could make him a fan favorite in no time. For now, Milton is focused on soaking up knowledge from Prescott and proving he belongs in the NFL’s brightest spotlight. If his early practices are any indication, Dallas may have found a steal—and New England might just regret letting him go.