Jerry Jones pats himself on the back for trade that could prove successful for Cowboys

After finishing third in the NFC East in the 2024-25 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have made numerous changes to their roster in order to improve competitiveness. With several months without competition, they faced the Los Angeles Rams, resulting in a resounding 31-21 defeat. Despite this, team owner Jerry Jones took to the microphone and praised a player who recently joined the team for his performance.

“I really have to pinch myself that we got him (Joe Milton III) 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, via Kristi Scales of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

In his debut against the Rams, Milton delivered a solid performance by completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards. He recorded one touchdown and one interception over nine drives. Demonstrating his versatility, he also rushed for 22 yards on five carries, finishing with a passer rating of 68.6%.

While not being hailed as a blockbuster signing, if he can improve his level, he could become one of the team’s most valuable additions. With Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback, Joe Milton III is positioned to take on the role of backup to the 32-year-old veteran. Given Prescott’s extensive injury history, the youngster could see more playing time than expected.

Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott praises Joe Milton III’s big improvement since joining the team

Although franchise owner Jerry Jones praised him, Joe Milton III faced heavy criticism for his debut performance against the Rams. Fans and analysts alike accused him of playing slowly and seeming out of sync with the team’s system. However, veteran quarterback Dak Prescott stepped up to commend the young player and offered a brief analysis of his evolution since his arrival.

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“Something I push him [to do] is just playing every play and every snap like it’s a real game… Whether it’s throwing it away or getting to the next play or getting to the next read. I think [Thursday] was actually one of his best days… He ran a lot of plays out there, and it may not have been something you guys write about, but they were very much on the time clock… He’s grown a lot,” Dak Prescott said, via ESPN.

As Milton prepares to begin his second year in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are optimistic that the young player will continue to develop alongside veteran Dak Prescott. He might not be ready to step up as the starting quarterback just yet, but he is poised to evolve. Even the head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledges the significant promise he holds, despite the inevitable mistakes that come with inexperience.