FRISCO, Texas — The Philadelphia Eagles have added another quarterback to their roster, signing Joe Milton III away from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad as the team deals with uncertainty surrounding starter Jalen Hurts.
Philadelphia announced the move Friday, Oct. 16, after revealing that Hurts would miss Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. The Eagles have not announced a timetable for his return. Tanner McKee is expected to start in Hurts’ absence.
Milton’s move to Philadelphia creates an intriguing development ahead of the Eagles’ upcoming meeting with Dallas. Because NFL rules require players signed away from another team’s practice squad to join the signing team’s active roster, Milton will have an opportunity to compete for a role in Philadelphia’s quarterback room.
The 26-year-old entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection by the New England Patriots in 2024. Dallas acquired him in a trade the following offseason, hoping his combination of arm strength, athleticism and mobility could develop into a valuable backup option behind Dak Prescott.
Milton showed promise during the Cowboys’ 2026 preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns without an interception across three games. He also rushed 12 times for 14 yards and a touchdown.
Despite those performances, Milton lost the competition for Dallas’ backup quarterback job to Sam Howell and was waived during final roster cuts in August. He subsequently returned to the organization on its practice squad.
Across his regular-season appearances with New England and Dallas, Milton has completed 37 of 53 passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has yet to make an NFL start.
For Philadelphia, the signing provides additional depth while Hurts’ availability remains uncertain. McKee is positioned to lead the offense against Carolina, while Milton joins McKee and rookie Cole Payton in the Eagles’ quarterback group.
The move also adds another storyline to the NFC East rivalry. Philadelphia is scheduled to face Dallas on Monday night, Oct. 26, creating the possibility that Milton could line up against the team that recently employed him.
For the Cowboys, Milton’s departure leaves a spot to address on the practice squad as the team continues its season with Prescott as its starter and Howell as his primary backup.
