Joe Milton’s move from the Patriots to the Cowboys took everyone by surprise. The 6-foot-5 quarterback spent only one year in the trenches at New England and decided it was better to back up Dak Prescott in Dallas.
Milton’s progress in the Cowboys camp didn’t go under the radar. In mere weeks, the sixth-rounder picked up a few tricks from Prescott, especially his iconic pre-snap cadence.
Footage from inside the Cowboys’ indoor facility in Arlington revealed Milton shouting, “Here we go!!!” before throwing his passes. It’s a good way to win over his teammates.
However, Milton should stick to his original cadence or develop a new one because rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced they will be tweaking Prescott’s pre-snap call, as per The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
It’s unclear how and why Schottenheimer and the Cowboys want to change it. But for the moment, Milton appears to have the coach’s permission to use it in practice.
Schottenheimer also took Milton and some of the Cowboys’ joes, including Prescott, Will Grier , Steve Shimko (QB coach), and their families, for a bonding session at a Mediterranean-themed party. Milton even showed off his dancing skills while the hosts broke plates—a Greek tradition that symbolizes the end of a phase and the start of another.
The Cowboys need all the luck they can get. They are part of a division that contains the current Super Bowl champions, a Washington team that reached the NFC Championship game last year, and a Giants franchise looking to prove itself because the coaches are in the hot seat.
Joe Milton revealed how he felt after hearing about his trade to the Cowboys
Milton made waves in college during his final year at Tennessee. He went 8-4 before announcing for the 2024 NFL draft. The Patriots took him in the sixth round after selecting UNC’s Drake Maye in the top 10.
Maye won the battle of the rookie quarterbacks, playing most of the games. Milton’s chance arrived on the final day. He threw one touchdown pass and rushed for another, completing 75% of his passes. Instantly, all the spotlight switched from Maye to Milton.
A section of the fans wanted Milton to start over Maye, but new Patriots HC Mike Vrabel walked into the facility to make Maye a better quarterback. Moreover, Maye’s rookie contract is far more lucrative than making him sit on the bench. The best option was trading Milton to another team.
Jerry Jones brought Milton in to replace the departed Cooper Rush. Reporters recently asked Milton to comment on his trade.
Was I surprised? Yes. I kind of woke up around, like, 7 o’clock to a call, and I knew I was getting traded.
Je Milton said as per the Cowboys’ official transcript
The Cowboys received Milton and a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Patriots got a 2025 fifth-round pick. Regardless of the situation, Milton is glad that he gets to learn from Pro Bowler and 2023 MVP finalist Dak Prescott.
I was just thankful to go to work. [But now I’m] back in the heat, for one. He allowed me to play in the dome for two. And, three, it’s America’s team. Also, it’s just great to learn from someone like Dak.
Joe Milton said
Michigan recruited Milton after he finished high school. He was part of the Wolverines roster for three years before switching to Tennessee in 2021. He started a total of 21 games (13-8), completing 4303 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 11 picks in college.
