The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, are no strangers to high expectations and intense scrutiny. Amid the buzz surrounding a healthy Dak Prescott leading the first team during the team’s recent open-to-media OTA session, a new name is quietly generating excitement: Joe Milton. Acquired in a trade from the New England Patriots, the 6-foot-6 quarterback with a rocket arm is turning heads in Dallas. While he’s currently the third-string quarterback, Milton’s remarkable progress has sparked intrigue. Could this former Tennessee Volunteer be the Cowboys’ next breakout star? Let’s dive into his journey and what it means for Dallas.
Joe Milton’s path to the Cowboys has been anything but smooth. Drafted by the New England Patriots, he struggled to find his footing, with reports highlighting inconsistencies in timing, accuracy, and touch despite his jaw-dropping physical gifts. Standing at 6-foot-6 with the ability to launch passes up to 85 yards, Milton’s arm strength is undeniable. His college career at Tennessee showcased his potential, with 2,813 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in his final year, plus a knack for escaping pressure with his mobility. Yet, transitioning to the NFL’s demands has been a challenge, as noted by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who pointed out Milton’s struggles with consistency.
Joe Milton’s freakish talents reportedly left his new teammates and coaches “stunned” despite no pads at recent Cowboys practices.
One NFL scout reportedly believes Milton has the “most live” arm of any QB in the NFL and has the chance to flourish in the Cowboys QB room.
Brian… pic.twitter.com/yq27I8nHbK
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 23, 2025
In Dallas, however, Milton is showing signs of growth. During the Cowboys’ OTA sessions, he took reps alongside backup Will Grier, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressing optimism about his development. While some media reports described Milton’s performance as “wild,” this seems exaggerated. His deep throws included some overthrows, and defenders disrupted several attempts, but these are typical growing pains for a young quarterback adjusting to the NFL’s speed and complexity. Schottenheimer, however, sees potential, praising Milton’s work ethic and quick grasp of the playbook. “He’s one of the first in and last out of the building,” Schottenheimer said, also dismissing negative reports from New England about Milton’s personality. The coach highlighted the mentorship roles of Dak Prescott and Will Grier, which have helped Milton integrate into the team.
For the Cowboys, Milton represents a high-upside project. As the third-string quarterback, he’s not challenging Prescott for the starting role anytime soon, but his physical tools and mobility add a unique dimension to the roster. The team hopes he can work his way into pre-season minutes, where he could showcase his ability to make highlight-reel plays. His college stats suggest he has the raw talent to succeed, but consistency remains the key hurdle. If Milton can refine his accuracy and decision-making, he could become a valuable asset, either as a reliable backup or a trade piece in the future.
The Cowboys’ faith in Milton reflects their broader strategy of investing in young talent. Schottenheimer’s comments about consulting trusted sources before acquiring Milton indicate a deliberate approach to his development. While he’s not yet a star, Milton’s steady progress suggests he’s on the right track. For a franchise under pressure to deliver, his growth could provide depth and flexibility to an offense led by Prescott and potentially bolstered by new additions like Nick Chubb.
Joe Milton’s journey with the Dallas Cowboys is one of patience, potential, and perseverance. While he’s far from challenging Dak Prescott for the starting job, his remarkable progress in OTAs has sparked hope that he could carve out a meaningful role in Dallas. With his cannon-like arm, mobility, and improving grasp of the playbook, Milton is a player to watch as the pre-season approaches. For Cowboys fans, his development offers a glimpse of a brighter future, whether as a backup or a surprise contributor. Will Milton rise to the occasion and become the next big thing in Dallas?