Patriots Reveal Why QB Milton Was Traded to Cowboys

When the New England Patriots signed quarterback Josh Dobbs in free agency, it pretty much stamped Joe Milton's passport out of the Foxboro area. 

What is nevertheless surprising is how the Dallas Cowboys were able to obtain Milton so cheaply. They gave up a fifth round pick and got a seventh-round pick back in addition to Milton, who is going into his second season.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained this week why the deal went down as it did.

“Well, we felt like his reps were going to be decreased as we worked through the offseason. We felt like – just like every other decision – that we're going to try to do what's best for the team, and that's the decision that we ultimately made,” Vrabel said.

Vrabel then further explained his decision and made a joke about his quarterbacks. He alluded to the old Nickelodeon TV show by the name of "Drake and Josh".

“So, we're excited to move forward with Drake [Maye] and Josh [Dobbs]. That's going to be a tough one for me to continue to say over and over is Drake and Josh.”

Whether Milton will become a key player for the Cowboys in 2025 or beyond is really up the health of quarterback Dak Prescott. If Prescott is unable to play for the team for one reason or another, the Cowboys could eventually feel comfortable rolling with Milton. … 

Though Will Grier is presently the No. 2 QB here.

Bottom line. Milton is an athletic and strong-armed prospect who wanted a chance to compete with first-rounder Maye. So the Pats sidestepped any potential conflict there by giving him away to a Dallas team that just happened to be looking for a “developmental’ backup.