Total Pro Sports
Joe Milton III wasn’t supposed to be here. Not in Dallas. Not in this conversation. Not with a chance to stir up real questions about Dak Prescott’s job security. But here we are.
The Cowboys didn’t just grab a raw, rocket-armed quarterback for fun. They made a thoughtful decision. One that, on the surface, looked like a harmless flyer. Trade a fifth and seventh-round pick for a guy the Patriots gave up on before he even unpacked. But now, with training camp here and Prescott still recovering from yet another injury, things just got a little too interesting.
Dallas made their plans clear on Monday. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to see Milton “play a lot this preseason,” according to Cowboys insider Calvin Watkins of Dallas News. That’s not a throwaway comment. That’s a message.
Prescott is still the starter. For now. But he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. A Grade 3 hamstring tear ended his 2024 season early. Before that? A long list: thumb, shoulder, ankle, elbow. If that sounds familiar, it’s because injury does not stay away from him.
Joe Milton is balling in his debut! 48-yard TD pass to Boutte!
📺: #BUFvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/u2W48Voqvr— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Meanwhile, Milton’s play and throw is great. When he was at Tennessee, he was something unreal. He could launch an 80-yard bomb, then land a standing backflip like it was nothing. In Week 18 last season, the Patriots finally let him loose. He went 22-of-29 for 241 yards and threw a 61.7 mph shot, the second-fastest ever recorded in the league.
New England still shipped him out after the season. Dallas scooped him up, low risk, potentially huge reward. “The Cowboys coaching staff appears to be high on Milton,” SI.com’s Josh Sanchez wrote Monday. And now they’re giving him the stage.
Prescott won’t suit up for any of the three preseason games. That’s already confirmed. So Milton isn’t just getting an opportunity. He’s getting the place to show himself. If he looks good? Dallas fans will remember. So will the front office.
For now, this is still Dak’s team. But the door just cracked open. If Milton kicks it down in August, the Cowboys might have more than just a backup on their hands.
Prescott better get healthy and stay that way.
Also Read: Dak Prescott’s Stunning NFL Top 100 Ranking Ignites Buzz
