Former Patriots Quarterback Joe Milton Lashes Out Against Team at Cowboys’ Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New England Patriots caught everyone by surprise by drafting two quarterbacks during the 2024 NFL Draft. Former North Carolina Tar Heel Drake Maye caught the headlines as the No. 3 pick for the Patriots, but the team dipped back into the class in the sixth round to select Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton with the No. 193 pick.
Milton played just one game for the Patriots in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, but made his presence felt. He completed 22-of-29 pass attempts for 241 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing touchdown to boot. It was a clear reminder of Milton’s potential, though the Patriots traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Now playing behind Dak Prescott, Milton looks to be the Cowboys’ backup for a while longer, but talking to reporters on Thursday, he made it clear that he’s happy where he is—learning under Prescott—and even threw in a dig at his former employers, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
“Dak is a great leader,” Milton said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “… All respect to him. He literally goes out of his way to help me.”
Milton only played one regular-season game with the Patriots, but spent the entire season on the roster and in quarterback meetings before his offseason trade to the Cowboys. Also in the quarterback room were Maye, who eventually took the reins, and veteran Jacoby Brissett, who started the season under center before being benched.
“I’ve been in another building. I know how that goes. It’s just very different over here.” Milton added.
Whether it’s a shot at leadership, Brissett, or Maye is unknown, but there’s clearly no love lost for Milton, who seems content in his new surroundings. Learning from Prescott, who is entering his 10th year as a starter, is a gift for a young quarterback. Milton seems to be aware of that after giving him a nod early in training camp.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.