The Dallas Cowboys’ recent trade for quarterback Joe Milton was initially seen as a move to secure a backup for their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. However, just two weeks into Organized Team Activities (OTAs), concerns are mounting about Milton’s readiness to fill the QB2 role, casting serious doubts on his future with the team.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Milton has been thrust into the backup quarterback position by default, as third-stringer Will Grier is receiving minimal snaps, primarily with the third-team offense. “He’s clearly the number two because Will Grier is really not getting but a handful of snaps when he’s out there, and that’s usually with the threes,” Archer said on 105.3 The Fan. While this suggests the Cowboys are grooming Milton for the backup role, his performances in practice have been inconsistent, raising red flags about his viability at the NFL level.
Coming out of college, Milton was touted for his elite arm talent but criticized for his struggles with accuracy and decision-making. These flaws have been evident during OTAs, where his practices have been described as a mix of flashes of potential and concerning miscues. As a developmental prospect with a high ceiling but a low floor, Milton’s early struggles could jeopardize his chances of securing a meaningful role with the Cowboys in the 2025 season.
Despite the challenges, Milton appears to be embracing the opportunity to learn from Prescott, whose leadership and work ethic have left a strong impression. “We talked to him today at his locker, and he was saying all the right things about learning from Dak and how impressed he’s been by Dak and his leadership,” Archer noted. Milton highlighted Prescott’s dedication, describing him as the “first one in, last one out,” and expressed hope that some of Prescott’s professionalism might rub off on him.
The Cowboys, however, are banking on not needing Milton to see significant playing time in 2025. After relying heavily on backup quarterbacks in 2024, the team’s primary goal is to keep Prescott healthy for a full 17-game season. Still, the NFL demands preparedness, and Dallas is treating Milton as the QB2 from the outset to ensure he’s ready if called upon.
Milton’s path in Dallas bears similarities to that of Trey Lance, another high-upside quarterback who struggled to climb the Cowboys’ depth chart. With his inconsistent performances early in OTAs, Milton risks following a similar trajectory if he cannot address his accuracy and decision-making issues. While it’s still early in the process, the Cowboys’ coaching staff and front office will need to see significant progress from Milton to justify their investment in him as Prescott’s primary backup.
For now, Milton’s future with the Cowboys hangs in the balance. His arm talent offers tantalizing potential, but without rapid improvement, Dallas may be forced to reconsider its quarterback depth chart before the 2025 season begins.