The New England Patriots have reportedly traded quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a compensatory fifth-round pick, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday (April 3).
"Trade: New England is sending QB Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, sources tell ESPN. With Cooper Rush going to Baltimore, Dallas now has a new backup for Dak Prescott," Schefter wrote on his X account. "Compensation update: Patriots are trading QB Joe Milton and a 7th-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for Dallas’ compensatory 5th-round pick, per sources."
The reported acquisition of Milton comes weeks after former Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
"Just the other day, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told reporters: 'We’re not done yet. We still got some things that are outstanding that we’re trying to get done.' Joe Milton was a trade the Cowboys were trying to get done. Now they have the trade and a new backup for Dak Prescott," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Milton threw for 241 yards and one touchdown on 22 of 29 passing, leading the Patriots to a 23-16 win against the Buffalo Bills' backups in Week 17, having taken the majority of snaps after starter and fellow rookie Drake Maye played only one series. The win dropped New England from No. 1 overall to No. 4 overall in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Milton was selected by the Patriots at No. 193 overall in the sixth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft following a collegiate career that began at the University of Michigan and concluded with four seasons at the University of Tennessee. The Florida native thre for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on 229 of 354 passing, while also recording 299 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 rushing attempts, during his final season at Tennessee.