After a lull in the post-Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots' quarterback room is no longer a concern after Drake Maye cemented himself as the franchise's signal-caller with his 2025 performance. The former 2024 third-overall pick is developing quicker than anyone could've imagined, whereas another QB drafted by the Patriots that year is staring at an uphill battle.
Joe Milton, who was drafted at No. 193 nearly two years ago, hasn't had the smoothest career since being traded to the Dallas Cowboys last April. His first season in the Lone Star State was forgettable, which might have left the ex-Patriot's new team having doubts about his potential as Dak Prescott's backup.
Joe Milton's Future Is Uncertain Amid His Post-Patriots Career
The Cowboys seemingly solved any QB2 concerns when they acquired Milton from the Patriots. The 6-foot-5, 246-pound signal-caller garnered buzz in Week 18 of the 2024 season when he completed 22-of-29 passes (75.9%) for 241 yards, one touchdown, and had a 111.4 passer rating in a 23-16 win over the rival Buffalo Bills.
Instead of building off that effort, Milton floundered when thrown into the spotlight. He made four appearances in relief of Prescott, going 15-of-24 (62.5%) in the pocket for 183 yards, one TD to two interceptions, and had a 65.1 passer rating that ranked eighth-worst among QBs who threw at least 20 passes in 2025.
Although Milton still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, according to Spotrac, that didn't stop the Cowboys from throwing a wrench into his QB2 aspirations.
On March 10, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that Dallas signed former 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell to a one-year contract. The move showed that the Cowboys weren't happy with their QB situation beyond Prescott, especially as Howell boasts 18 career starts, over 4,100 passing yards, and 22 TDs (albeit to 23 INTs) under his belt.
That's without mentioning that Howell is also six months younger than Milton despite being drafted two years earlier. In other words, the ex-Patriots QB's potential replacement has both the experience and youth advantage on his side.
Additionally, Milton's regression makes the Patriots' decision to pursue and eventually extend Tommy DeVito that much smarter.
Now that he's been exposed to actual NFL action, it's clear that Milton likely isn't going to be anything special. He went from being a beloved fan favorite and potential future QB2 in New England to a likely afterthought in Dallas. If he can't turn things around, the Cowboys might seek another arm — either via free agency or the draft — to challenge Milton for QB3 honors.
Either way, it's clear that Milton's outlook isn't what it once was just two years ago. His career is officially at a new low point in his post-Patriots life, leaving time to tell if there's anything he can do this season to turn it around before it's too late.