The Dallas Cowboys have ignited a firestorm of speculation after selecting quarterback Joe Milton III in the 2024 NFL Draft, raising eyebrows about the team’s confidence in current star QB Dak Prescott. With Prescott entering the final year of his $40 million-per-season contract and no extension in sight, the move has fans and analysts debating whether Milton’s arrival is a strategic safety net or a veiled challenge to Prescott’s reign.
A Backup Plan or a Wake-Up Call?
Dak Prescott, the face of the Cowboys since 2016, has led the team to four playoff appearances but has yet to secure a Super Bowl berth. His current contract situation—coupled with the Cowboys’ decision to draft Milton—has fueled rumors of uncertainty. Prescott’s recent response to Milton’s selection added fuel to the fire: “I’m focused on the present. Milton’s presence pushes me to improve every day.”
Supporters argue the move is pragmatic. NFL analyst Colin Cowherd (Fox Sports) emphasized, “The Cowboys need a high-caliber backup. Prescott’s 2020 ankle injury nearly derailed their season—they can’t afford to gamble again.” Milton, a 6’5”, 245-pound prospect with a cannon arm, is seen as an upgrade over current backup Cooper Rush. His physical tools and untapped potential align with Dallas’ “best player available” draft philosophy.
Critics, however, question the timing. Fans erupted on social media, with one tweeting, “We’re starving for a Super Bowl, not a developmental project! Fix the offensive line first!” Dallas’ OL allowed 36 sacks in 2023 (5th-most in the NFL), and the team failed to address linebacker needs after Leighton Vander Esch’s career-ending injury.
Prescott’s Legacy and the Pressure to Deliver
Prescott’s tenure in Dallas has been marked by stellar stats—4,516 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in 2023—but postseason shortcomings loom large. The Cowboys haven’t reached an NFC Championship Game since 1995, and owner Jerry Jones’ patience appears to be thinning. Drafting Milton echoes a familiar NFL strategy: the Green Bay Packers’ 2020 selection of Jordan Love while Aaron Rodgers was still in his prime—a move that ultimately led to Rodgers’ exit.
Could history repeat itself in Dallas? Prescott’s camp has remained quiet on contract talks, but his recent comments suggest he’s aware of the stakes. “My job is to win games,” he stated. “Everything else will handle itself.”
Fan Reactions: Hope vs. Frustration
The Cowboys’ fanbase remains divided. While some applaud the front office for planning beyond Prescott, others see it as a distraction. “This feels like a PR stunt to pressure Dak into taking a team-friendly deal,” argued a caller on local radio station 105.3 The Fan. Meanwhile, Milton’s viral combine footage—showcasing 80-yard throws—has generated excitement among younger fans eager for a new face.
What’s Next for Dallas?
The Cowboys’ decision hinges on two scenarios:
Prescott Stays: If Prescott secures an extension, Milton could serve as a high-ceiling backup, learning under a proven leader.
Prescott Exits: A franchise tag or failed negotiations in 2025 might fast-track Milton into the spotlight, mirroring Prescott’s own rise after Tony Romo’s retirement.
For now, head coach Mike McCarthy is downplaying the drama. “Competition elevates everyone,” he said. “Joe’s here to grow, and Dak’s our QB1. Period.”
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys’ draft strategy has once again placed them at the center of the NFL universe. Whether Joe Milton III becomes Dak Prescott’s successor or merely a footnote in Cowboys lore depends on Prescott’s 2024 performance—and whether Jerry Jones is willing to bet $40 million on loyalty over legacy.