It was widely expected that the Dallas Cowboys would move in a different direction at backup quarterback this offseason. While Cooper Rush exceeded expectations during his time as QB2, a stylistic change was necessary, which led the front office to trade for Patriots reserve Joe Milton.

Milton has tremendous upside and already boasts one of the strongest arms in the NFL. However, he has a lot of developing to do. He needs more touch on his passes and often loses timing of progressions. That can be attributed to his wonky footwork, but the talent is undeniable.

If Milton’s first OTA practice was any indication, Cowboys fans should expect a lot of ups and downs from the young QB this offseason.

Joe Milton is already tantalizing Cowboys fans at OTAs

Per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Milton’s afternoon included a 20-yard scramble on a broken play and two ugly interceptions to linebackers Buddy Johnson and Shemar James.

The quarterback is almost always to blame when they are picked off by linebackers. Sure enough, Cowboys staff writer Tommy Yarish noted that James “read Milton perfectly” on his pick, which goes back to Milton’s rawness. A big knock on him coming out of Tennessee, in addition to accuracy and footwork, was his propensity to lock on to his main target and get tunnel vision when processing his reads.

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Milton was a sixth-round pick of New England last year and absolutely dazzled in his lone start in Week 18 last season. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) with a 111.4 passer rating to boot.

The then-rookie made a couple of highlight-reel throws on the run. Granted, it came against a Bills team that rested a lot of its starters, but we are still talking about an NFL roster.

It is important to remember that growing pains are expected with Milton. While he was in college for six years, 2024 was the only season he attempted more than 150 passes. He needs reps more than anything. Tuesday’s practice was par for the course.

The consistency will come. And it certainly helps that he’s learning under Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott.