The Dallas Cowboys traded for quarterback Joe Milton in April, sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for Milton and a 2025 seventh-rounder.
Milton has served as backup to starter Dak Prescott all season, but considering he’s also a developmental asset, wouldn’t allowing him to see the field yet this season would help the team evaluate him further?
K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire thinks so.
“He didn’t look good initially in the preseason, but Joe Milton’s stock went up based on the final 2025 preseason performance. It’s time to let Milton play and find out what they have in him,” Drummond wrote on December 17, adding:
“Chances are, the backup is going to be called upon for several games next season, and the staff needs to know what they have in the former Tennessee Volunteer. Milton has appeared in two blowout losses, first to Chicago in Week 3 and then to Denver in Week 8, and has completed 6 of 9 passes for 99 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Give him some extended action over the next three games so that offseason plans can be made accordingly.”
More on Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Start QB Joe Milton With the Team’s Remaining Games in 2025
GettyJoe Milton should get a few starts for the Dallas Cowboys during the remaining games in 2025.
Milton is the definition of a low-risk, potentially high-reward talent. Dallas has him under contract through 2027, and his four-year rookie deal is just $4.2 million with minimal guaranteed money. For a team already doling out premium resources to several players, including Prescott, having a cheap backup on the roster is a huge plus.
But Dallas really ought to see if he has what it takes to eventually be a starter. Prescott will turn 33 next summer, and his injury history suggests Milton might be called upon at some point. If the Cowboys’ playoff chances are gone, what’s the harm in seeing what the young QB can do?
Milton’s appeal lies partly in his physical traits. He took over as the Volunteers’ full-time starter in 2023 and showed tangible growth. That season, he completed nearly 65% of his passes for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions, while also adding just under 300 yards and seven scores on the ground.
He’s also flashed a bit at the professional level. Milton’s final start with New England in Week 18 of the 2024 season likely played a role in Dallas’ decision to acquire him. In that game, he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, also adding a rushing TD. Milton looked controlled, efficient and confident in that game. Dallas should see how he looks this year against regular season competition.
Cowboys’ Playoff Chances Are Cooked
With three regular season games remaining, the Cowboys sit at 6-7-1, firmly behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (9-5). Technically, Dallas still has a literal 1% chance of making the playoffs, but it would need to a) win its remaining three games, and b) have Philly lost its final three matchups. Considering the Eagles play the lowly Washington Commanders twice in that span, it doesn’t bode well for Dallas.
It’s understandable that the Cowboys want to start Prescott until they’re mathematically eliminated from the postseason. But if and when that elimination happens, starting Milton would provide at least a tad more clarity.
If he performs well, great. He’ll get more experience against NFL-level defenses, and have opportunities for growth. If he struggles, the Cowboys can find another potentially more capable backup to compete next offseason.
Cowboys Facing Calls to Make a Joe Milton Move Late in Season