Cowboys' Answer Dak Backup Question with Bold QB Trade

FRISCO — Very early into the offseason it became clear that the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback group would take on a different look next season. Franchise centerpiece Dak Prescott's status was not in question, but team leadership certainly seemed ready for a reset behind him. 

Thursday morning, the Cowboys pulled the trigger on that reset. Dallas has acquired New England Patriots backup Joe Milton III for a fifth round pick, as reported by The Athletic's Diana Russini. 

The Cowboys also land a seventh-round pick in the process. 

Milton showed flashes of brilliance in his lone start for the Patriots last season, leading the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 241 passing yards, a touchdown on the ground and through the air along with a 111.4 passer rating. 

However, the Patriots have centered their future on Drake Maye and after signing Joshua Dobbs, the room quickly became too crowded for Milton. New England had been shopping him for weeks and have now found a new home for the quarterback. 

Dallas had reportedly been in the mix for Milton for some time. With this move, the Cowboys have landed a winning deal from the early looks. 

When Dallas traded for Trey Lance two years ago, that confusing move lacked much sense and plausibility for the future of the franchise. Here, the Cowboys actually give up less for a player already possessing a skillset most scouts look for in an NFL passer. 

Milton's relatively small sample size does not guarantee success if he is called into action. However, there is no injury baggage or major learning curve needed for his development. 

Rather, the Cowboys have found a quarterback that can hold the backup post and develop behind Prescott. 

Following the Milton trade, the Cowboys are now free to explore other options in the draft having solved their quarterback depth. They could still take one late and generate some training camp competition. 

Nonetheless, the Cowboys come out of a major transaction having not been duped by an odd move, both in results and timing. Instead, this is a strong move solidifying depth at an important position and freeing up their draft day strategy.