In a surprising twist of events, the New England Patriots have officially traded quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. As part of the deal, the Patriots also send a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, further shaping their future strategy in the league.

Milton, a talented young quarterback selected in the 2024 draft, gained significant attention after a stellar debut where he threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns during a last-minute victory against the Buffalo Bills. This impressive performance raised eyebrows across the league, leading to a flurry of interest in his services. While other teams were rumored to have made better offers, reports indicate that the Patriots prioritized Milton's preference for the Cowboys as his destination.

Expressing his excitement, Milton mentioned to Fox Sports: "My family grew up as Cowboys fans. My mom always wore Cowboys shirts and talked about them. Living in Texas has been a longtime dream of mine. Now that I'm with them, I'm ready to work."

For the Cowboys, acquiring Milton serves as a strategic move to bolster their quarterback depth. With Dak Prescott—an established three-time Pro Bowler—coming off a hamstring injury that limited him to eight games last season, Milton's addition could be crucial. The Cowboys have expressed their enthusiasm about Prescott’s recovery, hoping he can return to his previous form where he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023.

Currently, the Cowboys are making efforts to revamp their quarterback lineup, having parted ways with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Rather than hiring an aging veteran like Joe Flacco or opting for another rookie, the Cowboys have successfully tapped into the potential of the 25-year-old Milton, who fits perfectly into their plans alongside Prescott and veteran Will Grier.

Interestingly, there could be potential for innovative strategies within the Cowboys’ offense, as Milton’s skill set might encourage the team to experiment with specific play packages that utilize his talents.

On the other hand, the Patriots received mixed reviews for this trade. Despite the buzz around Milton, the compensation may seem modest in light of his potential. Nonetheless, the evolving landscape of the NFL indicates that teams are increasingly cautious about their draft picks. In comparison, the Philadelphia Eagles traded backup Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for a similar package: a fifth-round pick and another backup quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

The Patriots, in need of draft capital to expedite their rebuilding efforts, are left hopeful that this trade will lead to a beneficial acquisition in the upcoming drafts. The onus is now on new head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office to maximize this opportunity, aiming to transform their picks into effective players that can elevate the Patriots back to competitive status in 2025 and beyond.

Trade Grades:

Cowboys: A

The Cowboys’ acquisition of Milton at a low cost reflects a proactive approach in solidifying their quarterback room. Given his budding talent, Dallas has made a strategic move that not only secures a capable backup but also positions itself for greater flexibility in their offensive schemes.

Patriots: B

While the Patriots might have faced criticism for not extracting a more favorable return, their focus on draft picks is a nod toward long-term strategy. The trade still allows them to gather assets essential for a successful rebuild and should be viewed in the context of their overall plans for the future.

In summary, as both teams navigate through changes, the ripple effects of Milton's trade will certainly be felt in the upcoming seasons, shaping the quarterback dynamics in the NFL.