Dallas Cowboys Expected To Make Blockbuster Quarterback Trade Before Week 1
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Dallas Cowboys have a backup-quarterback problem that looks like a gift. Joe Milton and Sam Howell both played well enough to stay with the NFC East franchise. The Cowboys only need one of them behind Dak Prescott. Cutdown day is Sunday. That clock is driving trade talk.
K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire floated a third-round return for Milton.
“Milton has wowed onlookers with his performance through two exhibition games, likely locking up the backup QB role in Dallas over the competent Sam Howell,” he wrote. “Many watch him and see future NFL starting QB.”
The tape backs the noise. Milton went 12-of-15 for 107 yards and a score against Seattle. He then carved Arizona 9-of-13 for 179 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing score. Combined, he sits 21-of-28 for 286 yards.
Joe Milton Just Became Dallas’ Hottest Chip
Joe Milton arrived last year from New England. Dallas sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and got a seventh-rounder back. He was a 2024 sixth-rounder. He has five NFL games and one Patriots start.
Brian Schottenheimer still will not close the race.
“I think it’s a great competition,” Schottenheimer said. “Joe’s performed beautifully in both games, you can’t look at the numbers and not know that… but Sam’s made a lot of plays too.”
Howell has 18 career starts. Camp reportedly sat even, with Howell “maybe a little bit ahead.” Games flipped the eye test.
Nick Harris of the Star-Telegram set a cooler price. League sources told him a fourth-rounder is the ceiling. A fifth is the floor.
“This is the best time of year to make a trade like this for a quarterback… and get value in return,” Harris wrote.
Joe Milton Forces a Keep-or-Sell Call
Joe Milton is cheap and controllable. He is due about $1 million in each of the next two seasons. He hits free agency in 2028. Prescott is signed one year longer.
That math cuts both ways. Keep him as injury insurance with a starter’s arm. Or sell high before the preseason shine fades. Dallas already flipped a fifth for him. A fourth or third would be profit.
Tennessee fans remember the tools. In 2023, he threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five picks. He ran for 299 yards and seven scores. Heavy framed that college burst as a 27-touchdown season.
Dallas can keep three quarterbacks. Most teams will not. Roster math also hits linemen and receivers this week.
Drummond asked the only question that matters.
“Eventually Milton will be on another team. Should Dallas trade him now, and roll with Howell as the backup? Could they get a top 100 pick?”
Jerry Jones has until Sunday to pick a lane.
