NFL Trade Rumors: Joe Milton III Linked to Cowboys amid Patriots Buzz Before Draft

Joe Milton III has drawn some trade interest early this offseason, and a new possible suitor has reportedly emerged for the New England Patriots backup quarterback.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys are the latest team to show interest in Milton.

"Joe Milton, this is a really interesting name in this quarterback carousel we're talking about because he has trade interest," Fowler said Wednesday on NFL Live. "The Patriots are exploring a trade. I'm told several teams are interested. One team to potentially watch for is the Dallas Cowboys because they are looking for a good backup, a young backup with upside they may not get in the draft, maybe they get in a trade."

Milton, a sixth-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2024, didn't see much action behind Drake Maye last season but made the most of his one appearance in the Patriots' season finale.

Milton threw for 241 passing yards and a touchdown on 22 of 29 passing, adding a score on the ground in a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Milton was somewhat overlooked coming out of college, mainly due to some less-than-impressive stats. In his only full season as a starter in 2023, Milton had 2,813 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions along with 299 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

An average year with the Vols led to plenty of teams passing on him, but that could end up working out for the Patriots as they look to potentially move him this offseason.

A trade seems like the best option for both New England and Milton this offseason. The Patriots added quarterback Josh Dobbs in free agency earlier this month, and he'll likely assume backup duties over Milton.

A trade would give Milton the chance to land with a team that has more of a need for him.

Dallas is a fitting spot for Milton considering the current situation for their quarterback room. Cooper Rush, the team's backup who started most of the 2024 season, signed with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week. Rush's backup, Trey Lance, is currently a free agent.

That means the only quarterback on the roster behind Dak Prescott is Will Grier, who hasn't taken a snap in the NFL since 2019.

Milton is likely not a starting-caliber quarterback yet, but playing behind a veteran like Prescott could help continue his development as he looks to eventually become a QB1.