In a surprising move ahead of the NFL roster cutdown deadline, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly parted ways with their polarizing backup quarterback, Joe Milton III, in favor of veteran Case Keenum, a former NCAA record-holder with a proven track record in the league. The decision, which comes as the Cowboys prepare for their final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium on Friday night, signals a shift in strategy for a team prioritizing reliability behind star quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Joe Milton Experiment Ends
Joe Milton III, a 6-foot-5, 246-pound quarterback drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and later traded to Dallas, has been a lightning rod for attention. His extraordinary athleticism and cannon-like arm strength made him a viral sensation, with fans and analysts marveling at his physical tools. However, Milton’s inability to translate those gifts into consistent performance—often dubbed “The Joe Milton Experience”—has led to his departure.
In two preseason starts for the Cowboys, Milton directed 17 drives, resulting in just one touchdown, four field goals, two interceptions, and a safety caused by one of three sacks. Despite Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s public optimism, stating he was “not concerned” about Milton’s struggles, the team’s front office appears to have run out of patience. With incumbent backup Will Grier, a 30-year-old journeyman who hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2019, failing to inspire confidence, Dallas needed a more dependable option.
Enter Case Keenum: The NCAA Record-Holder
The Cowboys’ answer may lie in Case Keenum, a 37-year-old veteran who became available after the Chicago Bears signed their other backup, Tyson Bagent, to a two-year, $10 million extension. Keenum, an undrafted free agent from 2012, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for reliability. During his college career with the Houston Cougars from 2007 to 2011, Keenum set NCAA records that still stand, including 155 touchdown passes and 19,217 passing yards over 57 games.
Keenum’s NFL career has been equally notable. With 80 games (66 starts) under his belt, he boasts a career passer rating of 84.6, with 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions. His standout season came in 2017, when he led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game, completing 325 of 481 passes for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns. “Keenum has been a serviceable starter throughout his career,” wrote Jerry Trotta of The Landry Hat. “Even at age 37, he could run the offense better than Milton and Grier if Prescott were to miss time.”
Why the Swap Matters
The decision to move on from Milton and pursue Keenum underscores the Cowboys’ urgency to solidify their quarterback depth. Dak Prescott, fresh off signing a four-year, $240 million contract that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid player, is coming off a 2024 season derailed by a severe hamstring tear requiring surgery. With Prescott’s health a concern, the backup quarterback role takes on heightened importance for a Cowboys team aiming to compete in a stacked NFC.
Keenum’s experience and poise make him a natural fit to step in if needed, offering a stark contrast to Milton’s raw but unpolished potential. As Trotta noted, “If the front office wants to try to keep winning without Prescott, they should monitor Keenum leading up to cutdown day.” The Cowboys appear to have done just that, capitalizing on Chicago’s roster shakeup to secure a proven veteran.
What’s Next for Dallas?
As the Cowboys head into their final preseason game, all eyes will be on how the team integrates Keenum into their system. While Milton’s departure marks the end of a brief but headline-grabbing tenure in Dallas, Keenum’s arrival could provide the stability the Cowboys need to navigate a challenging 2025 season. With Schottenheimer and head coach Mike McCarthy under pressure to deliver results, the decision to swap a viral sensation for a seasoned record-holder may prove to be a defining moment for the franchise.