Joe Milton’s 85-Yard Bomb: How Tennessee’s Rocket-Arm QB Just Shook Up the 2025 NFL Draft Conversation

Joe Milton III’s fresh start with the Dallas Cowboys has already generated more headlines than his entire rookie season in New England. Just days into training-camp practices in Oxnard, the strong-armed quarterback made it clear why he pressed for an offseason trade: “I definitely preferred it here,” he told Spanish outlet MARCA, noting that he and his agent “orchestrated” the move to Dallas for a “new franchise, new culture”. The comments doubled down on a theme Milton first floated in June, when he praised Dak Prescott’s “consistency” and “leadership,” while subtly shading the Patriots’ quarterback room that rarely let him take scout-team snaps. “Dak’s a great leader,” Milton said. “He literally goes out of his way to help me.” Behind the scenes, Prescott has invited the second-year pro to mid-summer film sessions, something Milton claims “never happened” in Foxborough, a point later echoed in a MassLive report that said the 6-5 signal-caller “finds mentors more willing to help him in Dallas”. Competition for Cowboys’ No. 2 job While Milton’s public jabs at his former team dominate social media, his roster status is anything but guaranteed. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the club will stage an open competition for the backup role, pitting Milton against ex-Florida starter Kyle Trask and returning veteran Cooper Rush. According to team reporters, Milton has already flashed the eye-popping arm strength that once allowed him to launch an 80-yard bomb during Tennessee’s 2023 Pro Day, but coaches want to see quicker reads and improved footwork in red-zone drills. Why the Cowboys like Milton’s upside Dallas scouts were enamored with Milton during the 2024 draft cycle, grading him as a developmental quarterback with a “howitzer” arm and plus athleticism. Although the Patriots grabbed him in Round 6, the Cowboys quietly kept tabs, believing Mike McCarthy’s West Coast system could accentuate his rhythm throws and tunnel screens—concepts he thrived on at Tennessee. Schottenheimer said the early returns are encouraging: “He’s learning to take the profit, not always hunt the big play.” Impact on Dak Prescott’s contract drama Milton’s arrival also serves as low-cost leverage as Dallas negotiates a long-term extension with Prescott, who carries a record $67 million cap hit in 2025. If Milton shows starting potential in preseason action against the Texans (Aug. 9) and Seahawks (Aug. 16), the front office gains flexibility—either a trade chip next spring or an in-house contingency should talks with Prescott stall. What’s next The Cowboys break camp on Aug. 20 before joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers. Team sources say Milton will get “at least a quarter” of preseason snaps, with the staff eager to evaluate his two-minute management after some errant throws in Monday’s situational scrimmage. For the former sixth-rounder, it’s another chance to prove Foxborough’s evaluation was premature—and another microphone to remind the NFL he’s finally where he wants to be.