Bazooka Joe, meet Bazooka Jones.
Former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III was traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, according to a report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on X. New England is sending a seventh-round draft pick and Milton to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
New England’s move to trade Milton comes on the heels of the Patriots signing VFL Josh Dobbs this offseason to be the veteran backup for starter Drake Maye.
Patriots to trade QB Joe Milton III and 7th-round draft pick to Cowboys in exchange for a 5th-round draft pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/PWTOUds3ou
— NFL (@NFL) April 3, 2025
Dallas has had its eye on Milton dating back to the 2024 NFL Draft and will now have the former Vol in its quarterback room for his sophomore season in the league. Milton also gives Dallas a backup quarterback after Cooper Rush left for Baltimore and Trey Lance’s future is uncertain at best.
Milton wrapped up his rookie season with the Patriots this past and saw action in just one game during the regular season finale in January. Leading his team to a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown with a rushing touchdown added in. Milton dazzled the crowd and television spectators with some ridiculous plays during the game, such as this insane touchdown pass that was called back for a penalty:
Plays like this from Joe Milton is why there should be 1 “that play rocked” rule where if a play is cool enough then the flag is picked up.
— Dylan Holt (@DylanHolt_) January 5, 2025
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Milton will have three years with Dallas left on his rookie deal, a four-year rookie contract that was signed after the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dak Prescott, the former Mississippi State quarterback and longtime Cowboys signal caller, missed the final nine games of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury but is poised to return to the field in 2025. Milton does project to be Prescott’s leading backup moving forward, though.
With Milton being traded to Dallas on Thursday, he joins former teammate Princeton Fant in the Cowboys’ organization. Milton is also now division rivals with former teammates Jalin Hyatt and Dee Williams on the New York Giants.
Here’s a look at more highlights from Joe Milton:
