Jerry Jones Still in Shock over Joe Milton Signing: “I Really Have to Pinch Myself”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones feels the Cowboys might have hit a jackpot with Joe Milton as Dak Prescott enters his twilight years in Dallas.

Jerry Jones Still in Shock over Joe Milton Signing: “I Really Have to Pinch Myself”

Joe Milton and Jerry Jones (Image via IMAGO)

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Jerry Jones still finds it hard to believe that the Dallas Cowboys managed to sign Joe Milton. The veteran owner claimed he pinches himself every time he sees Milton wearing the Cowboys gear.

Milton attended the University of Michigan after graduating from high school. He left Michigan after three years, as first-team opportunities were few and far between.

Tennessee accepted him as its backup quarterback. He fought for the starting QB job for two years before cementing himself as the number one shot caller in the Music City.

The New England Patriots drafted Milton in the sixth round as competition for third overall pick, Drake Maye. Milton settled for the QB3 role behind Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett and Maye shared quarterback duty for the majority of the season. Milton’s chance came on in week 18. He completed 75% of his passes for 241 yards and two total touchdowns to announce himself to the NFL.

Fans were left divided, seeing Milton’s potential as a starting quarterback. A section wanted to see Milton start over Maye, who went 3-9 (even though he made the Pro Bowl) in the regular season. Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss speculated that people inside the Patriots facility might have shared the same view as the fans, and there may or may not have been friction brewing as a result.

There is a little nuisance to the discussion. It’s not that you’re trying to take competition away—you want competition to push Drake Maye. But you also want that competition to be supportive of Drake Maye, and that’s what they’re trying to create.

Mike Reiss said via CBS News

Reiss argued that the scenario was a repeat of 2016, when the Patriots had Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, and rookie Jacoby Brissett competing for the QB1 job.

Brissett left to sign a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals after the 2024 season, and the Patriots signed Josh Dobbs as Maye’s cover. This left Milton as surplus to needs.

Around this time, the Cowboys came calling, and the Patriots happily agreed to trade Joe Milton along with a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

I really have to pinch myself that we got him after the last game that he had up there, starting there for New England. I’m just excited that we had a chance to get him. And he hasn’t disappointed. He’s actually… We’re just more and more encouraged by what we’re seeing.

Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Saturday

How was Joe Milton’s first start for the Cowboys?

Milton made waves during the Cowboys’ chaotic offseason training camp. Everyone was already familiar with his powerful arm, but he also showed maturity in learning from his peers and his senior, Dak Prescott.

Jerry Jones Still in Shock over Joe Milton Signing: "I Really Have to Pinch Myself"
Joe Milton (Image via IMAGO)

Prescott’s 2024 season was cut short due to injury, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer planned to keep the $61 million-a-year man away from another one as long as possible. Schottenheimer picked Milton to start the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams with Will Grier as his backup.

Milton struggled in the first few drives. He overthrew passes and nearly caused turnovers. The 25-year-old looked better as the game raged on. He connected with free agent Rivaldo Fairweather for a 7-yard touchdown and linked up with Traeshon Holden for a 35-yard pass (the longest of the day).

Schottenheimer may have let Milton play the entire game if he hadn’t hurt his elbow in the fourth quarter. Before leaving the game, Milton completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception.

Grier came in and scored a touchdown on the ground. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 21-31 defeat against the Rams.

After the game, reporters asked Milton to grade his performance.

Probably a D. Probably a D- if I am being hard on myself.

Joe Milton said (H/T: Cowboys official transcript)

The Cowboys still have to face the Baltimore Ravens and the Atlanta Falcons in the next few days, so he will get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents in the future.

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