The Patriots selected Joe Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.
The Patriots selected Joe Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The Patriots are trading quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, a league source confirmed Thursday morning.
The teams will also swap draft picks, with the Patriots sending a seventh-rounder in exchange for a fifth-round compensatory selection.
Milton, drafted in the sixth round last year, will back up Dak Prescott. He would have been the third-string quarterback in New England, behind unquestioned starter Drake Maye and veteran Josh Dobbs.
When the Patriots signed Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million contract, with $3.8 million guaranteed, Milton’s future in New England became uncertain. Not only did he not have a path to the starting job, but he also wouldn’t be the backup.
After his two-touchdown performance in Week 18 last season, Milton expressed his belief in himself and his goal to be a starting quarterback.
Despite his impressive showing in his NFL debut, a substantial return seemed unlikely for the Patriots because Milton was playing against reserve players in a meaningless game. Questions about his touch and ability to see the field also remained.
But Milton’s arm strength and physical traits make him an intriguing prospect, one that will now move to Dallas.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.