The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 season under more pressure than ever, if that’s even possible. They haven’t won a Super Bowl since the 1996 season, and just watched two division rivals surge ahead: The Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game, while the Philadelphia Eagles captured the Lombardi Trophy.
Regaining relevance will hinge heavily on quarterback Dak Prescott’s performance. After his injury in 2024, the team’s season quickly unraveled. With the uncertainty surrounding Prescott’s durability, Dallas took precautions this offseason by bringing in Joe Milton. According to an insider, the rookie is consistently turning heads in practice.
What Makes Joe Milton The Perfect Backup Quarterback For Dallas Cowboys?
The Cowboys aren’t like any other NFL franchise. Whether because of their storied history or massive fanbase, Dallas has a different standard for defining success, and that extends to the quarterback position. A mere game manager is no longer enough to bring the franchise back to glory.
Prescott fits the bill, but Cooper Rush had limitations. That’s why the team traded for Milton this offseason, giving Dallas an electrifying option in case their starter goes down, someone who could get fans on their feet with every play. The risk is high, but so is the reward.
Insider Jon Machota shared early impressions of Milton’s transition to Dallas and how he’s looked in practice, describing him as the prototype for the position.
“Speaking of Milton, the big arm, athleticism, and size all jump out. He looks like a robot built to be the ultimate quarterback. The one area that will be interesting to monitor in the preseason is how long he holds onto the ball,” Machota wrote.
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
In his only extended playing time last season, Milton flashed his talent with creative plays, showing off his speed and physical strength, especially when throwing deep. He finished the game against the Buffalo Bills with 241 passing yards, 22-of-29 passes, and two total touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground.
It was a thrilling performance that convinced Dallas to trade for him, but there’s still plenty of development needed and limited tape to draw conclusions. Machota emphasized the importance of seeing Milton operate under pressure and how he’ll respond when the stakes are higher.
“The pressure goes by him, or he tucks the ball and runs if nothing looks open. But how will that go when there is another team trying to take him down? He did just fine in that area last year in the season finale for the New England Patriots.”
Imagine Joe Milton III coming at you full speed.
📺: #NEvsWAS on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wu8eW2QrVt— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2024
Machota’s enthusiasm reflects just how physically gifted Milton is. At 6’5” and 246 pounds, he’s one of the biggest quarterbacks in the NFL, yet he’s quick and elusive, giving off the impression of a QB built in a lab. The mental and processing side of the game still needs testing.
Prescott’s pressure is growing. Currently the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at $60 million per year, another underwhelming or injury-marred season could open the door for competition. Milton is intriguing, and fans would be eager to see what he can do if given the opportunity.
