In a twist that has Cowboys Nation buzzing, former Tennessee Volunteers star Joe Milton III is making waves in Dallas — and his emergence could be sending tremors through Dak Prescott’s $240 million empire.
It all began in Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season. With nothing at stake in the standings, 25-year-old Milton led the New England Patriots to a surprising 23-16 victory. While the win was meaningless in playoff terms, it had major consequences — the Patriots missed out on the No. 1 overall draft pick and soon after, head coach Jerod Mayo was dismissed after just one season. But for Milton, the spotlight began to shine brighter.
Despite showing flashes of elite athleticism, Milton felt boxed in behind No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. He reportedly grew frustrated that the Patriots wouldn’t allow him a fair shot to compete for the starting job. That frustration led to a trade that turned heads — New England sent Milton to the Dallas Cowboys for draft picks in early April.
Almost instantly, reports out of Cowboys spring practices were buzzing with accounts of Milton’s “wild” athleticism, “freakish” arm strength, and commanding presence on the field. Coaches and insiders alike couldn’t stop talking about his raw potential — comparisons to some of the league’s most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks began to surface.
And that’s when the whispers started.
Could Joe Milton actually challenge — or even replace — Dak Prescott as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback?
At first glance, the idea seems far-fetched. Prescott signed a jaw-dropping four-year, $240 million contract last season, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at $60 million per year. But that massive investment hasn’t translated to postseason success. In nine seasons, Prescott has made only two playoff wins and still hasn’t brought Dallas to a conference championship, let alone a Super Bowl.
While the Cowboys front office hasn’t openly hinted at a quarterback controversy, insiders suggest that pressure is mounting on Prescott to “measure up.” With Milton waiting in the wings and impressing behind the scenes, the leash may be shorter than ever for the franchise quarterback.
The situation adds yet another dramatic storyline to the Cowboys’ offseason — a battle between proven dollars and unproven dynamite. Milton may only be earning $4.2 million, but his upside could be priceless.
As training camp nears, the question looms large in Dallas: Is Joe Milton the future, and is Dak Prescott’s grip on America’s Team already slipping?
