The New England Patriots traded quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-rounder.
Why they made the move:
The Patriots are set at the position with franchise quarterback Drake Maye coming off an encouraging rookie season. They also added Josh Dobbs as a veteran backup in free agency. Milton, a sixth-rounder in 2024, was stuck on the depth chart, so the rebuilding Patriots decided to improve their draft standing in the late rounds by dealing away a player who didn’t have a direct path to playing time.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the Cowboys filled a need behind starter Dak Prescott, and they’ve been eying a younger player with long-term potential. They recently had Trey Lance in that role, and they lost trusted veteran backup Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
Cowboys grade: B
Milton is a lottery ticket. He played well in limited opportunities as a rookie, notably in the preseason and the final game of the year when he went 22-of-29 passing for 241 yards and a touchdown with another score on the ground in a 23-16 win over Buffalo.
Milton, who has one of the strongest arms in the league, will have time to develop behind Prescott in Dallas, so there will be minimal pressure in terms of expectations as long as Prescott stays healthy.
We’ll see if the Cowboys add a more experienced backup before camp. They loved Rush’s ability to command the offense in a pinch, so there will be more of a learning curve with Milton. And considering Prescott has missed time in four of the past five seasons — and at least five games in three of those years — the Cowboys should covet a little more certainty on the depth chart.
But if Milton develops into a starter or turns those flashes into something more consistent before the expiration of his rookie contract, the Cowboys will love this trade.
Patriots grade: C
The Patriots appear to be in terrific shape at quarterback, but that doesn’t mean Milton couldn’t have continued to be an asset. New regimes always make personnel changes, though, and it’s conceivable head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels weren’t as confident about Milton’s long-term potential.
They shipped out Milton to move up 46 spots in the draft. That’s definitely a gamble, but the Patriots certainly have more pressing needs than developing a young quarterback behind Maye. They could also take another late-round flier on a QB this month in the draft.
Advertisement
The backup quarterback is typically one of the most popular people in town, so there will be fans who hate this decision. Those feelings will be justified if Milton ever has any success as a starter. But by moving on, the Patriots announced their priorities were elsewhere on the roster.
(Photo: Rich Gagnon / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Nerd out on these MLB leaderboards. Plus, we need to talk about the Giants
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox.If all his lineup ideas work this well, maybe Jose Altuve could be a manager someday? Plus: I dig into the “other” leaderboards, the Giants have thrived when they should have wilted and Ken has more on the upstart Mariners. I’m Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!Shakeups: Another position change for Altuve?I mean, sorta. After switching from second base to left field, the Astros’ longest-tenured player and nine-time All-Star has now requested to be taken out of the leadoff spot in the batting order.It’s a classy move by Altuve, but also the right one. He entered last night’s contest hitting .274/.310/.377 (.687 OPS). That’s not abysmal — his OPS+ is 99, meaning he’s one percent worse than league average — but it’s […]
NBA mulling All-Star Game change: USA vs. World
February 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images The NBA is considering changing the format of the 2026 All-Star Game in Los Angeles to an international competition. Commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the league was going "back to the drawing board" following its unpopular three-game mini-tournament at the 2025 All-Star Game. On Monday, Silver said an international format -- pitting U.S.-born players against a roster of foreign-born players -- is appealing because the game will air on NBC during the middle of that network's Winter Olympics coverage. "Given the strong interest we've seen in international basketball competitions, most recently in last summer's Olympics […]
Sportovec roku? To nikdo neřešil. Jak zlatý Dostál zaskočil celou rodinu
„Jak jsme tam celé rodině ohlásili, že čekáme miminko, tak se všichni radovali. A už jim bylo úplně jedno, jak ten večer dopadne,“ s úsměvem vzpomínal Dostál, který pak anketu Klubu sportovních novinářů skutečně vyhrál. „A když zjistili, že máme stejný termín jako ségra, byli úplně nadšení,“ hlásil.Když pak v rozhovorech po vítězství v anketě Dostál vyprávěl, že se mu v roce 2024 povedlo úplně vše, co chtěl, jen on sám a jeho nejbližší tušili, co všechno měl na mysli…Teď už by Anežka Paloudová očekávání jejich syna těžko skrývala, byť se do kajaku stále vejde a na vodu také často vyráží. „Ještě zvládám trénovat, i když vloni bych tohle jako trénink neoznačovala,“ usmívá se. „Prostě chodím na vodu a užívám si, že nemusím, ale chci, teď je navíc hezké počasí,“ libuje si.Dvaatřicetiletý Dostál a o šest let mladší Paloudová začali plánovat rodinnou budoucnost už před dvěma lety na mistrovství světa v Duisburgu, […]
49ers sign TE George Kittle to four-year extension
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $76.4 million to become the highest-paid player at the position. General manager John Lynch confirmed the deal on Tuesday morning. Multiple outlets reported the financial components. "In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today," Lynch said in a team statement. "George's leadership, enthusiasm for the game, for his teammates, and the Faithful are truly unique and special. He is an […]
Prezident FIA Sulajím připustil úpravu kontroverzních pravidel
Prezident FIA Muhamad Sulajím naznačil možnou změnu pravidel, konkrétně přílohy B Mezinárodního sportovního řádu. V tom se uvádí pokuty za sprostá slova a jiné kritizované postihy závodníků všech šampionátů spadajících pod FIA.Na sociální síti Instagram zveřejnil Sulajím příspěvek, ve kterém vysvětluje, že současné znění sportovního řádu konzultoval se závodníky všech sedmi šampionátů FIA a dostal od nich podnětnou zpětnou vazbu.Současné znění pravidel je platné od začátku aktuální sezony. Podle něj se nadávky v průběhu oficiálních akcí a závodů trestají přísněji než dosud a za opakované prohřešky hrozí jezdcům zákaz činnosti. Základní pokuta za první prohřešek je 10 tisíc eur (asi čtvrt milionu Kč), ale ve formuli 1 se automaticky všechny pokuty násobí čtyřmi, takže už první prohřešek znamená milionový flastr.Prvním pokutovaným jezdcem se stal Francouz Adrien Fourmaux. Ten po nevydařeném závodě rallye vynadal sám sobě a neštěstí bylo na světě. Ostatní jezdci se ho zastali a po vzoru GPDA (odborová […]
2025 Kentucky Derby sleepers, odds, free advice, contenders: 3 best longshot picks for Churchill Downs
Imagn Images The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday at Churchill Downs and the 20-horse 2025 Kentucky Derby field is set. The Kentucky Derby 2025 will mark the 151st Run for the Roses and the return to action for legendary trainer Bob Baffert, a six-time Kentucky Derby winner who was banned for three years after Medina Spirit failed a drug test and had his 2021 title stripped. He'll have two chances at a seventh winner with Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (20-1) and Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez (12-1).Meanwhile, Journalism is the 3-1 favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds following three graded-stakes victories, including a Santa Anita Derby win. The large field with a wide-range of running styles can often make the first leg of the Triple Crown feel like a crapshoot, but understanding the connections, pedigree […]
Related
Nerd out on these MLB leaderboards. Plus, we need to talk about the Giants
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox.If all his lineup ideas work this well, maybe Jose Altuve could be a manager someday? Plus: I dig into the “other” leaderboards, the Giants have thrived when they should have wilted and Ken has more on the upstart Mariners. I’m Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!Shakeups: Another position change for Altuve?I mean, sorta. After switching from second base to left field, the Astros’ longest-tenured player and nine-time All-Star has now requested to be taken out of the leadoff spot in the batting order.It’s a classy move by Altuve, but also the right one. He entered last night’s contest hitting .274/.310/.377 (.687 OPS). That’s not abysmal — his OPS+ is 99, meaning he’s one percent worse than league average — but it’s […]
NBA mulling All-Star Game change: USA vs. World
February 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images The NBA is considering changing the format of the 2026 All-Star Game in Los Angeles to an international competition. Commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the league was going "back to the drawing board" following its unpopular three-game mini-tournament at the 2025 All-Star Game. On Monday, Silver said an international format -- pitting U.S.-born players against a roster of foreign-born players -- is appealing because the game will air on NBC during the middle of that network's Winter Olympics coverage. "Given the strong interest we've seen in international basketball competitions, most recently in last summer's Olympics […]
Sportovec roku? To nikdo neřešil. Jak zlatý Dostál zaskočil celou rodinu
„Jak jsme tam celé rodině ohlásili, že čekáme miminko, tak se všichni radovali. A už jim bylo úplně jedno, jak ten večer dopadne,“ s úsměvem vzpomínal Dostál, který pak anketu Klubu sportovních novinářů skutečně vyhrál. „A když zjistili, že máme stejný termín jako ségra, byli úplně nadšení,“ hlásil.Když pak v rozhovorech po vítězství v anketě Dostál vyprávěl, že se mu v roce 2024 povedlo úplně vše, co chtěl, jen on sám a jeho nejbližší tušili, co všechno měl na mysli…Teď už by Anežka Paloudová očekávání jejich syna těžko skrývala, byť se do kajaku stále vejde a na vodu také často vyráží. „Ještě zvládám trénovat, i když vloni bych tohle jako trénink neoznačovala,“ usmívá se. „Prostě chodím na vodu a užívám si, že nemusím, ale chci, teď je navíc hezké počasí,“ libuje si.Dvaatřicetiletý Dostál a o šest let mladší Paloudová začali plánovat rodinnou budoucnost už před dvěma lety na mistrovství světa v Duisburgu, […]
49ers sign TE George Kittle to four-year extension
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $76.4 million to become the highest-paid player at the position. General manager John Lynch confirmed the deal on Tuesday morning. Multiple outlets reported the financial components. "In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today," Lynch said in a team statement. "George's leadership, enthusiasm for the game, for his teammates, and the Faithful are truly unique and special. He is an […]
Prezident FIA Sulajím připustil úpravu kontroverzních pravidel
Prezident FIA Muhamad Sulajím naznačil možnou změnu pravidel, konkrétně přílohy B Mezinárodního sportovního řádu. V tom se uvádí pokuty za sprostá slova a jiné kritizované postihy závodníků všech šampionátů spadajících pod FIA.Na sociální síti Instagram zveřejnil Sulajím příspěvek, ve kterém vysvětluje, že současné znění sportovního řádu konzultoval se závodníky všech sedmi šampionátů FIA a dostal od nich podnětnou zpětnou vazbu.Současné znění pravidel je platné od začátku aktuální sezony. Podle něj se nadávky v průběhu oficiálních akcí a závodů trestají přísněji než dosud a za opakované prohřešky hrozí jezdcům zákaz činnosti. Základní pokuta za první prohřešek je 10 tisíc eur (asi čtvrt milionu Kč), ale ve formuli 1 se automaticky všechny pokuty násobí čtyřmi, takže už první prohřešek znamená milionový flastr.Prvním pokutovaným jezdcem se stal Francouz Adrien Fourmaux. Ten po nevydařeném závodě rallye vynadal sám sobě a neštěstí bylo na světě. Ostatní jezdci se ho zastali a po vzoru GPDA (odborová […]
2025 Kentucky Derby sleepers, odds, free advice, contenders: 3 best longshot picks for Churchill Downs
Imagn Images The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday at Churchill Downs and the 20-horse 2025 Kentucky Derby field is set. The Kentucky Derby 2025 will mark the 151st Run for the Roses and the return to action for legendary trainer Bob Baffert, a six-time Kentucky Derby winner who was banned for three years after Medina Spirit failed a drug test and had his 2021 title stripped. He'll have two chances at a seventh winner with Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (20-1) and Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez (12-1).Meanwhile, Journalism is the 3-1 favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds following three graded-stakes victories, including a Santa Anita Derby win. The large field with a wide-range of running styles can often make the first leg of the Triple Crown feel like a crapshoot, but understanding the connections, pedigree […]
Be the first to leave a comment