The Dallas Cowboys are making waves in the NFL trade market, reportedly open to dealing second-year quarterback Joe Milton to the Cincinnati Bengals, a team reeling from the loss of their star signal-caller, Joe Burrow. After acquiring Milton from the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick this offseason, Dallas is now exploring options to flip the strong-armed quarterback for a similar return, potentially a fifth or sixth-round draft pick, as they continue to reshape their roster.
The Bengals, off to a surprising 2-0 start in 2025, were hit with devastating news when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Joe Burrow will miss at least three months due to a significant injury. With their franchise quarterback sidelined for the majority of the season, Cincinnati has scrambled to bolster its quarterback room, signing veterans Sean Clifford and Mike White while promoting Brett Rypien from the practice squad. Jake Browning, with nine career NFL starts, is expected to take the reins as the interim starter. But could Milton, a raw but tantalizing talent, provide a spark for the Bengals’ playoff aspirations?
Joe Milton’s college tape at Tennessee in 2023 showcased his elite potential. He threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, while adding 299 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. His cannon of an arm is among the NFL’s best, but his accuracy remains a work in progress. During the 2025 preseason, Milton completed 55% of his passes for 397 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions across three games. While those numbers didn’t scream “franchise quarterback,” they hinted at the upside that made Dallas trade for him in the first place.
For the Bengals, Milton could serve as a developmental prospect with more long-term potential than their current trio of Clifford, White, and Rypien. While Browning’s experience gives him the edge as the starter, Milton’s athleticism and arm strength could make him a valuable backup with room to grow under Cincinnati’s offensive system. The question remains: is Milton a clear upgrade over the Bengals’ current options, or is he more of a high-risk, high-reward gamble?
Back in Dallas, the Cowboys have a safety net in Will Grier, who impressed during the preseason and remains on the practice squad. Many analysts argued that Grier outplayed Milton in training camp, raising questions about Dallas’ decision to name Milton the backup behind Dak Prescott. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s comments in August, per Cowboys Wire, suggested the team’s quarterback depth chart isn’t set in stone: “We know Dak’s our starter and Joe’s the backup. It wasn’t perfect, but we feel very good about Joe and his direction… Nothing says we’re not done looking around the league at all spots and not just quarterback.”
With Grier waiting in the wings, Dallas appears comfortable exploring trade options for Milton. The Cowboys have already shown a willingness to stockpile draft capital, as evidenced by their blockbuster trade of Micah Parsons earlier this offseason. Adding another late-round pick for Milton could align with their strategy of building for the future while maintaining flexibility.
For the Bengals, acquiring Milton could provide a young, high-upside quarterback to develop behind Browning while Burrow recovers. Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window remains open, and a dynamic talent like Milton could add depth and intrigue to their roster. For Dallas, moving Milton for a draft pick would capitalize on his potential without committing to his development long-term, especially if they believe Grier is ready to step up as QB2.
While the chances of a trade remain uncertain, the Cowboys’ willingness to listen to offers for Milton signals their confidence in their current roster and their aggressive approach to roster management. Could this be the first domino to fall in a busy trade season for Dallas? And could Cincinnati take a flier on a quarterback with the tools to one day shine in the NFL? Only time will tell, but the rumor mill is buzzing with possibilities.