Blockbuster NFL Trade: New England Sends Joe Milton to Dallas Cowboys, Cooper Rush Heads to Baltimore
In a shocking turn of events, the NFL landscape has shifted once again with a major trade that is sure to shake up the quarterback landscape for two teams. ESPN sources have confirmed that the New England Patriots are sending quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, while backup quarterback Cooper Rush is making his way to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that could have significant implications for both franchises.
The Dallas Cowboys’ New Quarterback, Joe Milton
Joe Milton’s arrival in Dallas comes with great fanfare and anticipation. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound quarterback has been known for his powerful arm and impressive physical traits since his time in college. Milton initially played for the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Tennessee, where he took over as the starting quarterback after some time behind Hendon Hooker. His strong arm and ability to make explosive plays earned him attention, though his inconsistency led to questions about his readiness for the NFL.
The Cowboys, known for their high expectations and playoff aspirations, are clearly betting on Milton’s upside. While Dak Prescott is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, Milton provides an intriguing option as the backup. Head coach Mike McCarthy, who has overseen the development of several quarterbacks in his career, will have the opportunity to refine Milton’s mechanics and decision-making.
Milton’s biggest strength lies in his arm strength, which is considered one of the best in the NFL, even among starting quarterbacks. His ability to throw deep balls with velocity is expected to complement the Cowboys’ high-powered offense, which features playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and the emerging talent of tight end Jake Ferguson. However, Milton will have to prove that he can harness that raw talent and become a reliable backup to Dak Prescott, who has his own history of injuries and inconsistency at times.
The Cowboys’ front office believes Milton’s potential could help them avoid the fate they faced last season when they were left with limited options behind Prescott. Rush, who had been a reliable backup for the Cowboys in recent years, is now on his way to Baltimore, where he will provide much-needed depth for the Ravens’ quarterback situation.
The Ravens’ New Backup, Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush’s departure from Dallas and arrival in Baltimore signals a change in the Ravens’ quarterback room, which has been in flux for several years. Lamar Jackson, the franchise quarterback, has long been the focal point of the Ravens’ offense, but the team has struggled to find reliable depth behind him.
Rush, who had spent several years in Dallas as Prescott’s backup, is seen as a solid, steady option who can step in and keep the offense functional if Jackson were to miss time due to injury. In the past, Rush has shown that he can come in and manage a game efficiently, as he did in his memorable start against the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, leading the Cowboys to a dramatic win.
Baltimore has been desperate to find a backup who can operate the offense without too much of a drop-off. While Jackson is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make explosive plays both in the air and on the ground, his physical style of play leaves him susceptible to injury. The Ravens have been searching for a quarterback who can execute the offense with precision in case Jackson is sidelined, and Rush appears to be that guy.
Rush’s value lies in his decision-making and ability to manage the game effectively. He is not known for his arm strength or ability to make jaw-dropping throws, but his understanding of offensive schemes and his ability to keep things simple will be crucial if he’s called upon to start for the Ravens.
The Ravens’ front office is likely hoping that Rush can be a stabilizing force behind Jackson, allowing the team to continue to pursue playoff contention without worrying about a drastic drop in performance should their star quarterback be unavailable.
The Trade’s Impact on the New England Patriots
For New England, the decision to trade Joe Milton may be part of a larger strategy to revamp their quarterback room. With Mac Jones currently the starter and Bailey Zappe waiting in the wings, the Patriots felt that they could afford to part ways with Milton. After a promising preseason, Milton had struggled with consistency and decision-making during his time in New England, leading the team to reassess his future.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has always been known for his willingness to make bold moves, and trading Milton to Dallas is no exception. The Patriots were able to acquire a package of future draft picks in exchange for Milton, allowing them to continue to build for the future while maintaining flexibility with their roster. This trade could signal that the Patriots are looking to develop their existing quarterbacks or perhaps even look for a more established veteran in the offseason.
In trading Milton, the Patriots also free up space in their quarterback room, which will allow them to further assess Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. While Jones is expected to remain the starter for the time being, the pressure is mounting for him to prove that he can lead the team effectively under Belichick’s system. The Patriots are looking to return to relevance after a disappointing few seasons, and their quarterback situation will be a key factor in determining how quickly they can get back into contention.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams
For the Cowboys, the trade for Joe Milton represents a gamble on upside. While Milton is far from a finished product, his physical traits are undeniable. Dallas is looking to find a backup quarterback who can come in and potentially win games if needed, without the need to rely on a more experienced but potentially limited player like Cooper Rush. With Prescott’s injury history, the Cowboys need to ensure that they have a viable backup who can step in without causing a major disruption to the offense.
On the other hand, the Ravens’ trade for Cooper Rush is about stability. They have a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson, but they need someone who can hold down the fort in case he misses time. Rush has proven himself to be a reliable option in the past, and his presence will provide the Ravens with a sense of security. The Ravens are expected to be playoff contenders again this season, and having a dependable backup quarterback could make all the difference in a critical stretch of games.
For the Patriots, the trade of Joe Milton to Dallas is a chance to clear the deck and focus on their current quarterback situation. Belichick’s decision-making has been questioned in recent years, but this trade could be seen as a move to streamline the roster and make room for a more definitive path forward at the quarterback position.
The Long-Term Implications
The long-term implications of this trade will be fascinating to watch. If Joe Milton can develop into a capable NFL quarterback, the Cowboys could find themselves with a future star waiting in the wings. If he struggles to make the jump to the NFL, however, the trade could be seen as a bust, with the Cowboys potentially looking to go in a different direction after the 2025 season.
For the Ravens, Cooper Rush’s role will likely remain limited as long as Lamar Jackson stays healthy. However, in a season where injuries are inevitable, Rush’s ability to step in and manage the offense could make all the difference when it comes to maintaining playoff contention.
In New England, the Patriots will continue to develop their quarterbacks and prepare for the future. The trade could be the first step in a larger rebuilding effort that includes finding the right quarterback to lead the team back to its former glory.