With Playoff Hopes Gone, Cowboys Should Turn to Joe Milton for Final Two Games
The Dallas Cowboys are officially out of the playoff picture after the Philadelphia Eagles locked up the NFC East with a Week 16 win. That result slammed the door on any postseason hopes for Dallas, turning the final two games of the regular season into little more than a formality. But even in a season that’s fallen short of expectations, there’s still value to be found - especially when it comes to roster evaluation and long-term planning.
Let’s be clear: Dak Prescott has delivered one of the best seasons of his career. He’s thrown for 4,175 yards and 28 touchdowns, showing command, poise, and the kind of high-level quarterback play that should’ve been enough to carry a playoff-caliber team.
But the Cowboys’ defense simply couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain. Week after week, it struggled to contain even the league’s most pedestrian offenses, and that inconsistency ultimately cost them a shot at January football.
So with nothing left to play for in 2025, it’s time for Dallas to shift its focus to the future - and that starts with giving backup quarterback Joe Milton a real look.
Why Joe Milton Should Start the Final Two Games
Milton isn’t just a body on the depth chart. He’s a former Patriots rookie who flashed real potential when given a shot last season.
In a late-year start for New England - when the team chose to rest Drake Maye - Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t just a solid outing; it was the kind of performance that turned heads and caught the attention of Dallas’ front office, leading to a trade that brought him to Texas ahead of the 2025 season.
Now, with Prescott healthy but the season effectively over, the logic is simple: protect your franchise quarterback and see what you’ve got in Milton.
Prescott has already endured two serious, season-ending injuries in his career, and there’s no upside in exposing him to unnecessary hits in games that no longer impact the standings. Bubble-wrapping your most important player is just smart business. But this isn’t just about preservation - it’s also about exploration.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity
Giving Milton the reins for the final two games is a low-risk move with potential upside. If he struggles?
You gain clarity on his role and future with the team. If he impresses?
You suddenly have a potential trade chip heading into what promises to be a critical 2026 offseason.
And that’s where things get interesting.
The Cowboys are already facing some tough financial decisions. The fan base is pushing hard for the team to re-sign wide receiver George Pickens, and that move won’t come cheap. Add in the need to rebuild a defense that underperformed all season, and the front office will be looking for creative ways to free up cap space and acquire assets.
Milton could be part of that solution.
If he shows enough in these final two games to intrigue a quarterback-needy team, Dallas might be able to flip him for future draft capital or use him as part of a larger offseason deal. That’s not a guarantee, but it’s a possibility worth exploring - especially with the 2026 quarterback market expected to be thin.
No Threat to Prescott - Just Smart Roster Management
Let’s make one thing clear: this isn’t about replacing Dak Prescott. He’s been the engine of the offense and one of the few consistent bright spots in a frustrating season. There’s no quarterback controversy brewing in Dallas, nor should there be.
This is about maximizing the value of your roster. It’s about using the final two games - which now serve no competitive purpose - to evaluate a young player who might help you in the long run, whether that’s as a capable backup or a trade asset.
And for a fan base that’s understandably frustrated, Milton’s debut could at least inject some intrigue into the final stretch. It gives fans a reason to tune in, a new storyline to follow, and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse at a hidden gem on the roster.
Final Thought
The Cowboys’ 2025 season didn’t go as planned. But the final two weeks don’t have to be wasted.
Starting Joe Milton isn’t just about resting Prescott - it’s a calculated move that could pay dividends down the road. Whether Milton proves to be a valuable backup or a surprise trade asset, the only way to find out is to let him play.
With nothing left to lose, it’s time for Dallas to see what they’ve got.