In Dallas? Dak Prescott is No. 1. Joe Milton is here to learn. But if the new guy ever develops to the point where he can create some competitive "smoke''? We'll be surprised ... but Cowboys Nation would surely be pleased.
FRISCO - Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys did what was predicted in this space over the course of recent weeks when they won a trade dump with the New England Patriots for quarterback Joe Milton.
And now we know more about why the Patriots were so willing to let go of the promising 6-5, 250-pound QB who claims he can throw a football "95 yards.''
It's all about "the smoking gun.''
The 'Boys were certainly looking hard at drafting Cooper Rush's replacement as the vet backup has moved on to the Baltimore Ravens. But they were also open about wanting a "developmental QB'' ... and they now have that, making the idea of drafting one likely obsolete.
But why did the Patriots end up accepting what Dallas offered (a pick swap of a 5 and a 7, meaning in terms of value the Cowboys essentially sent a 6) when the Pats were supposedly at one time looking for a third-round selection for Milton?
The answer?
"The smoking gun.''
The Patriots become more willing to move Milton - and to do right by him when he mentioned that he'd like a move to Big D - due to his desire to compete head-to-head with fellow youngster Drake Maye.
This comes from Patriots insider Phil Perry. ...
"To me, the smoking gun .... is, 'We're just not gonna deal with people walking around talking about themselves like they should be the starting quarterback when we have a young player that we believe in'. That to me, is really more the issue."
Added fellow insider Tom E. Curran, "He felt that as an older player than Drake Maye (Milton is 25, Maye is 22), he didn't think that the disparity was that great between the two individuals. And he felt ... 'Hey man, maybe I should be getting a crack here.'"
At the end of last year, Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown and he rushed for another touchdown in the 23-16 victory over the Bills.
Put it all together and Milton - maybe to his credit - thought he should be allowed to compete in New England ... while the Pats, having spend a premium pick on Maye, wanted to clear his path to the No. 1 job.
In Dallas? Dak Prescott is No. 1. Milton is here to learn.
And if he ever develops to the point where he can create some competitive "smoke''? We'll be surprised ... but Cowboys Nation would surely be pleased.
