The Dallas Cowboys secured their quarterback situation through the 2028 season by signing Dak Prescott to a four-year, $240 million extension last September. Despite the hefty price tag, Prescott has undoubtedly earned it, having established himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks for nearly a decade.
However, questions linger about what comes next. By the time his contract expires, the three-time Pro Bowler will be 35 years old. While that’s still a reasonable age to continue playing, the Cowboys may be ready to explore new options at quarterback.
With that in mind, it’s possible the organization has already started considering Prescott’s eventual replacement — and according to one NFL insider, there’s an ideal quarterback prospect for America’s Team to target.
On today’s episode of NFL Live, insider Jeremy Fowler suggested the possibility of the Dallas Cowboys trading for New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton. The second-year signal-caller has been turning heads after an impressive Week 18 performance last season.
“The Patriots are exploring a trade. I’m told several teams are interested,” Fowler said, via @Brandoniswrite. “One team to keep an eye on is the Dallas Cowboys. They’re in the market for a young backup with upside — something they might not find in the draft but could acquire through a trade.”
The Patriots selected two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, picking Drake Maye at No. 3 and Joe Milton at No. 193. With Maye proving himself as the franchise’s future QB1, Milton has become expendable.
At 25 years old, Milton could be an ideal backup for Dak Prescott while also offering long-term potential as his eventual successor. Despite a limited sample size, Milton showcased his talent in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.
Although he primarily faced Buffalo’s backup players, the 6-foot-5 quarterback impressed by completing 22 of 29 passes (75.9%) for 241 yards, one touchdown, and a 111.4 passer rating. He also added a rushing touchdown and 16 yards on 10 attempts, demonstrating his toughness.
Prescott remains the present for Dallas, but concerns about his durability linger. He missed nine games last season and 26 since 2020, making it crucial for the Cowboys to invest in a reliable young backup with potential — like Milton.
On March 16, Tony Grossi of The Land on Demand reported that the Patriots are seeking a third-round pick for Milton. While that may seem steep for a former sixth-rounder, it could be worth the investment if the Cowboys believe he could be Prescott’s heir.
As trade rumors continue to swirl, Milton is likely to draw more interest. If the Cowboys want to secure their quarterback of the future, Jerry Jones may need to act quickly.