Former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III drew high praise from newly appointed Cowboys head coach Brian Shottenheimer as both men settle into their roles in Dallas.
Shottenheimer was promoted to head coach of the Cowboys’ organization in late January 2025. In early April, Shottenheimer made a move to acquire the former Tennessee quarterback as he enters his second season in the NFL. Milton was originally a sixth-round pick by New England in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was traded to Dallas as the Patriots push all their chips onto the Drake Maye table.
While the Cowboys are still planning to return veteran starter Dak Prescott from injury this fall, Shottenheimer seems extremely pleased with the early progress Milton has made since joining the franchise.
“From the time he’s been here, the work ethic is incredible,” Shottenheimer said via WATE Sports Director Reece Van Haaften on X. “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 (Grier), but really Dak, take a mentorship role with Joe. The talent speaks for itself, you guys will see it today. He made some incredible throws yesterday. He’s just an exciting young prospect that I think the sky is the limit for.”
#Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer on #VFL Joe Milton:
“From the time he’s been here, the work ethic is incredible… He’s just an exciting young prospect that I think the sky is the limit for.” #Vols pic.twitter.com/HJi5fBSF1F
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) May 21, 2025
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Milton only saw action in one game for the Patriots as a rookie but made it count. Though it was in Week 16 against many backups, the former Tennessee quarterback dazzled in a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. Milton 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown with a rushing touchdown added in.
Plays like this from Joe Milton is why there should be 1 “that play rocked” rule where if a play is cool enough then the flag is picked up.
— Dylan Holt (@DylanHolt_) January 5, 2025
Milton will have three years remaining on his rookie contract in Dallas. The former Vol projects to be Prescott’s lead backup moving forward, who missed the final nine games of the season in 2024 due to a hamstring injury. Prescott’s injury history suggests that we could see more on-field action for Milton in 2025 compared to his rookie season at the back of the depth chart in 2024.
Milton reunites with former Tennessee teammate Princeton Fant in Dallas and will play in a division that features WR Jalin Hyatt and CB Dee Williams (New York Giants).
