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Cowboys Agree To Quarterback Trade Ahead Of NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 10:23 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys have found their backup quarterback for the 2025 season.

Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys lost backup quarterback Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens. That left team owner Jerry Jones with a clear need for a No. 2 option behind Dak Prescott. Instead of bringing back former first-round pick Trey Lance, the front office scanned the trade market for another option.

On Thursday morning, multiple NFL insiders announced that Dallas agreed to a trade centered around New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton. In order to land the Tennessee product, the Cowboys had to part ways with a fifth-round draft pick.

"Compensation update: Patriots are trading QB Joe Milton and a 7th-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for Dallas’ compensatory 5th-round pick," ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Milton was drafted by the Patriots in 2024. He helped out his stock by playing well in the team's regular-season finale against the Bills. The talented gunslinger completed 22-of-29 pass attempts for 241 yards and a touchdown in an upset win.

For the past few months, the Patriots have received trade calls from other teams. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Cowboys showed the most interest in Milton from the start.

"My understanding is the Patriots recently gave QB Joe Milton III permission to seek a trade and the Cowboys were the team that showed the most interest from the start," Schultz said. "A deal has been in the works for a number of weeks now, and finally got done early this morning."

Only time will tell if Milton gets a chance to start in Dallas.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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