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The Dallas Cowboys considered g veteran backups like Jacoby Brissett and Drew Lock to provide stability behind Dak Prescott. But instead, they opted for a player with fewer credentials but more upside.
And so far, the early returns from OTAs have been encouraging.
With Joe Milton, the Cowboys are getting something completely different: a low-cost option (just $1 million per year) who brings both the thrill of untapped potential and the intrigue of raw talent.
Yes, he's unpolished. Yes, he's inconsistent. But he possesses physical traits reminiscent of Josh Allen-big arm, sturdy frame, elite-level tools-the kind of attributes any coach would love to mold.
And now, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is doing exactly that. As CowboysCountry.com's Mike Fisher reports, "Bazooka Joe"-who stands 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and can reportedly throw a football 85 yards-is already getting reps with the second team.
Veteran quarterbacks would have come at a higher price, which is why some critics have labeled Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as "cheap."
But in this case, "cheap" might actually mean "smart."
The trade cost the Cowboys virtually nothing.
Milton's salary barely dents the cap.
The Patriots even asked him where he preferred to go, and he chose Dallas-so Dallas chose him.
Milton may not be ready to push Prescott for the starting job. But he's showing enough promise that the Cowboys might not hesitate to play him if needed.
Less than a year ago, he was a modest sixth-round pick
Today, his eye-popping physical traits are beginning to blossom-while he learns from one of the league's elite in Dak Prescott, something Milton himself says is a huge benefit.