The Dallas Cowboys Eye Patriots’ QB Joe Milton III in Potential Trade

Dallas Cowboys in the Market for a Promising Backup Quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly a team to watch in the trade market for New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are exploring a trade for Milton, with several teams expressing interest. Among the most notable potential suitors is Dallas, a team in need of a solid backup quarterback with long-term potential.

“The Patriots are exploring a trade,” Fowler reported. “I’m told several teams are interested. One team to potentially watch for is the Dallas Cowboys because they are looking for a good backup, a young backup with upside they may not get in the draft—maybe they get in a trade.”

New England is reportedly seeking a third-round pick in exchange for Milton III, making the Cowboys’ interest in him a notable storyline in the coming weeks.

Cowboys’ Urgent Need for Depth Behind Dak Prescott

While Dak Prescott remains the franchise quarterback in Dallas, the Cowboys’ struggles last season exposed a crucial issue—depth at the quarterback position. When Prescott was sidelined, the offense faltered, leaving the team vulnerable in key games. A young, talented backup like Milton III could provide much-needed insurance and development for the future.

Milton, a former Tennessee standout, possesses a strong arm and intriguing upside. While he may not be ready to take over as a starter, his potential to develop into a capable NFL quarterback makes him a valuable trade target. The Cowboys, who have not made many blockbuster trades in recent years, could benefit from acquiring Milton as a developmental piece while still competing at a high level.

Dallas Also Seeking a Star Receiver

While the Cowboys are evaluating the quarterback position, they are also exploring options to bolster their receiving corps. Recent reports suggest that Dallas is eyeing a major trade for a top-tier wide receiver to support Prescott.

Athlon Sports’ Landon Holifield recently proposed a trade scenario that would send New York Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson to Dallas. Wilson, an Austin, Texas native, has been a rising star in the NFL and could be a game-changer for the Cowboys’ offense.

“Among the top trade targets is Garrett Wilson, who already has ties to Texas as an Austin native,” Holifield wrote. “The Jets—who lack long-term quarterback stability—could shop Wilson to acquire compensation before they have to make a decision on picking up his club option, which would guarantee him almost $17 million in 2026.”

Could the Jets Move on from Wilson?

Despite his talent, Wilson has reportedly been unhappy with his role in the Jets’ offense. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz even predicted in February that Wilson could be traded, citing his frustration with how he was utilized last season.

“Wilson was clearly unhappy with his usage by the end of the season,” Schatz reported. “He should have shined with better quarterback play from veteran Aaron Rodgers, and he did. In fact, Wilson set personal records in receptions (101), yards (1,104), and touchdowns (7). But there was definitely a feeling that Wilson could have done more.”

Trading Wilson would allow the Jets to reset their offense under new coordinator Tanner Engstrand while avoiding a massive contract extension that could reach $30 million per year. Several teams have already inquired about Wilson’s availability, but the Jets have remained firm in their stance that they are not actively looking to trade him.

What This Means for the Cowboys

If the Cowboys want to compete at the highest level, they must be aggressive in addressing key roster concerns. Adding Joe Milton III as a promising backup quarterback would provide much-needed depth behind Prescott, ensuring the team does not suffer the same struggles if their starter is injured. Meanwhile, trading for a playmaker like Garrett Wilson would give the Cowboys a game-changing receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, instantly making their offense one of the most formidable in the league.

While the Jets are currently holding onto Wilson, their struggles could push them to reconsider as the season progresses. If he becomes available, Dallas must be prepared to act swiftly.

As the offseason trade rumors continue to swirl, all eyes will be on the Cowboys to see if they make a bold move to strengthen their roster. Will they secure a promising quarterback in Joe Milton III? Could they pull off a blockbuster trade for Garrett Wilson? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the Cowboys are a team to watch in the trade market.