Jan 27, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys pull off pre-draft trade for backup quarterback

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 11:11 AM ET

On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a trade ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cowboys needed to explore options at the position after Trey Lance walked into free agency and Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

Dak Prescott is still recovering from surgery this offseason after suffering a partial avulsion of his right hamstring that ended his season early in 2024. The team needed a solid backup option for Prescott, who has a troubling injury history.

The Dallas Cowboys pull off a trade with the New England Patriots

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick.

“Sources: The #Patriots are trading QB Joe Milton to the #Cowboys in exchange for late-round draft pick compensation,” Rapoport posted on X. “A new backup for Dak Prescott, Milton went 22 of 29 for 241 yards and a TD in Week 18 last year, a New England win. The potential is there. Now, a new home.”

It's a 5th round pick for Joe Milton and 7th rounder. https://t.co/5rdaYqXGzp

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2025

In college, Milton appeared in 43 games and threw for 5,353 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added 661 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

The sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft turned heads when he went 22-of-29 passing for 241 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. Those were the only stats for the sixth-round pick out of Tennessee.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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