Joe Milton may have been caught off guard when the New England Patriots traded him, but he’s not looking back with regret. In fact, the young quarterback is embracing his fresh start with the Dallas Cowboys, calling the move a “blessing in disguise.” Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Milton detailed the four reasons he’s excited about his new opportunity in Dallas.
The trade came as a surprise. Milton, a sixth-round pick by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, had shown promise during the preseason and capped off his rookie year with a strong performance in the regular-season finale. However, a regime change in New England and the emergence of rookie quarterback Drake Maye pushed Milton out of the picture. One morning, he woke up to a phone call from his agent informing him that he had been traded. Initially unsure where he would land, Milton waited and hoped for the best.
His destination: the Dallas Cowboys. And for Milton, it turned out to be more than just a fresh start. “Coming here was a blessing,” he said. “I didn’t know it was going to be here. My agent said multiple teams had called. So I didn’t know where I was going to end up. I was just thankful to go somewhere.”
Milton then shared the four reasons why the move to Dallas was perfect for him.
1. Warm Weather:
“Back in the heat, for one,” Milton said with a smile. As a Florida native, the cold winters of Foxborough, Massachusetts, were a tough adjustment. Now, in Texas, he’s back in a more familiar climate. For a player who grew up and played much of his football in the South, the warmer weather is a welcome change.
2. Playing in a Dome:
Milton also praised AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys’ home field. “They allowed me to play in a dome for two,” he added. Playing in a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art stadium means more consistent conditions — a benefit for any quarterback aiming to refine his accuracy and command of the offense.
3. Joining “America’s Team”:
“For three, it’s America’s team,” Milton said, referencing the Cowboys’ long-standing nickname. There’s undeniable prestige that comes with playing for one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL. With a massive national following and constant media attention, the Cowboys offer a platform few other teams can match.
4. Learning from Dak Prescott:
Perhaps the most important factor in Milton’s eyes is the chance to learn from veteran quarterback Dak Prescott. “Also, it’s just great to learn from somebody like Dak,” Milton noted. Prescott, now in his ninth NFL season, has been a steady leader for Dallas. For Milton, the opportunity to grow under an established starter is invaluable as he continues to develop his game.
In return for Milton and a seventh-round pick, the Patriots received a fifth-round selection. While it may seem like a minor transaction on the surface, it could have a significant impact on Milton’s career trajectory.
Now in Dallas, Milton appears motivated and optimistic. His future may still be uncertain, but he’s clearly embracing the opportunity in front of him. What started as a surprise phone call has turned into a promising new chapter — one that Milton calls nothing short of a blessing.