Things finally seem to be moving in the right direction for the Dallas Cowboys. Not only is Dak Prescott set to return, but the team also pulled off an unexpected blockbuster that gives Dallas the most talented receiver duo in the league. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have handed the Dallas offense an unexpected ceiling. Lost in this is the needed excitement for new backup quarterback Joe Milton. The former Patriot joined Dallas after a surprise trade earlier in the offseason.
Joe Milton put together an impressive performance in the season's final game, lending reason to wonder just how high the ceiling might be. The expectation of Milton simply being a backup quarterback for the rest of his career is gone after one strong game. Now the Cowboys have reason to believe their season isn't over, even if Dak Prescott dealt with yet another injury. When asked about the new quarterback, Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer had plenty to offer:
"I was excited about Joe before we got him. When you go into these deals and you’re talking about making trades, we all reach out to people that you know, people that you trust, people that have been exposed to said player at college, different programs, friends that have been around him. And you just dig and you ask and you get different opinions and there’s always an outlier good and bad, with each of them. You try to peel those away.Brian Schottenheimer
“But from the time he’s been here, the work ethic is incredible. He’s one of the first people in the building. He’s one of the last to leave. The way he’s attacked the playbook and picking it up has been incredible. And it’s been fun for me to watch Dak and Will, but really Dak take a mentorship role with Joe. The talent speaks for itself. You guys will see it. He made some incredible throws (Monday). He’s just an exciting young prospect that I think the sky’s the limit for.”"
This sounds like a head coach not talking about a normal backup quarterback or a player simply expected to be a short-term answer. It is the type of profuse praise you offer when you believe a player could be a part of your long-term future. However, where this grows a little murky is considering Dak's contract situation and the fact that the quarterback is still only thirty-one.
With these comments and Dak's recent injury history in mind, it is fair to wonder if Milton is viewed as more than a typical backup. If Dak Prescott misses any time, are the Cowboys going to evaluate Milton as a future starting option? The backup unquestionably has high upside with an absolute cannon and the ability to create plays with his legs.
It is an eye-catching quote that should have Cowboys fans paying special attention to both camp and preseason action. Seeing exactly how Milton looks taking over an offense that has dealt with inconsistency issues over the last year. No question, Joe Milton has helped breathe life back into the Dallas offense and should have Dak Prescott focused on playing his best in the 2025 season.