Eagles Announce Cowboys Ex QB Joe Milton As New Starter

Former Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton has been named the starter for his new team, the rival Philadelphia Eagles, going into Week 9.

Milton, who was picked up of Dallas' practice squad, now receives an opportunity to make a major impact on the exhausting NFC East race.

Philadelphia, losers of six in a row, hosts the New York Giants, who lead the division at 4-2-1.

After their matchup with Philadelphia, New York turns around to face the Washington Commanders on a short week for Thursday Night Football to begin Week 10.

The Cowboys were already fans of Milton's, as seen by their choice to keep him on the practice squad despite naming Sam Howell the backup to Dak Prescott.

They'll become even bigger fans of Joe if he can beat the Giants, getting 3-5 Dallas closer to winning the division that's most up for grabs across the league.

Milton served as Prescott's immediate backup in his first season in Dallas last season after Cowboys boss Jerry Jones traded for the raw talent last offseason.

The third-year gunslinger didn't see much action in Dallas' 7-9-1 season a year ago as Prescott remained healthy. This offseason, Howell was acquired to create competition with Milton and potentially add a boost of insurance behind the Cowboys' 34-year-old starter.

Howell, 26, ultimately got the nod over Milton, also 26, due to having 21 career starts under his belt versus only five for Milton.

Milton replaces Tanner McKee for Philadelphia, who, in their latest defeat to the Washington Commanders, was 23-of-34 through the air for 212 yards and an interception. The Eagles' lone touchdown came from running back Saquon Barkley, who is still bothered by a hamstring issue and produced just 30 yards in the game.

Philly's depth issues originally derive from starting quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clots that have migrated from his calf to his lungs and forced him to go on blood thinners and be ruled out for the remainder of the season.

With New England for one season after being drafted in the sixth round in 2024, Milton was 22-of-29 for 241 yards and two total touchdowns in the Patriots' Week 18 win. That was his only appearance as a rookie before being traded.

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With the Cowboys, Milton appeared in four games in 2025, completing 15 of his 24 passes for 183 total yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Milton looks to take advantage of this opportunity to prove himself and potentially lead the Eagles through the rest of this tumultuous season.

Dallas, at least this week, would appreciate a solid performance from their old pal.

The Cowboys then host the Eagles for Thanksgiving in three weeks after Philadelphia has a bye in Week 10 and faces Pittsburgh in Week 11.