Joe Milton III is making waves in the NFL as a backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old signal-caller has come a long way from his college days at Michigan and Tennessee to establishing himself as a professional athlete with significant earning potential.
In this article, you will learn about Milton’s net worth, career earnings, contract details, biographical information, early and professional career highlights, relationship status, and comprehensive stats that showcase his journey from a promising college prospect to an NFL quarterback.
Joe Milton III’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Jay Milton III |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in American Culture from University of Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’5″ (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 246 lbs (112 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $795,000 |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Joe Milton III began his football journey in Pahokee, Florida, where he was born before moving to Orlando and attending Olympia High School. His impressive high school performance earned him recognition as the No. 15 quarterback recruit by 247Sports.
Milton’s arm strength and physical tools caught the attention of major college programs, ultimately leading to scholarship offers from prestigious schools including Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, and Pittsburgh.
At Olympia High School, Milton showcased the cannon arm that would become his trademark throughout his career. His ability to make throws that few quarterbacks could attempt made him a three-star recruit despite playing at a smaller school.
The combination of his 6’5″ frame and exceptional arm talent positioned him as a player with significant upside, though he would need development to reach his full potential.
Milton’s high school career laid the foundation for what would become a unique college journey. His decision to commit to the University of Michigan represented a major step up in competition level, setting the stage for both challenges and opportunities that would shape his development as a quarterback.
The recruiting process revealed his potential as a future NFL prospect, with his physical attributes already drawing comparisons to successful professional quarterbacks.
Professional Career
Milton’s professional career began when the New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. His selection came after an impressive college career that culminated with standout performances at Tennessee, including earning Orange Bowl MVP honors.
The Patriots saw potential in Milton’s physical tools and college production, viewing him as a developmental quarterback with significant upside.
His rookie season with New England was highlighted by an exceptional performance in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. In his first NFL start, Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards and another score.
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His 75.9% completion percentage and 111.4 passer rating demonstrated his ability to perform at the professional level, leading the Patriots to a 23-16 victory that actually hurt their draft position.
Milton’s impressive showing caught the attention of multiple NFL teams, leading to his trade to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys acquired Milton and a seventh-round pick from the Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round selection, viewing him as a potential solution to their backup quarterback needs behind Dak Prescott<span>.
This trade represented a new opportunity for Milton to compete for a more prominent role while learning from an established starter.
Joe Milton III’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Joe Milton III’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.5 million.
Contract
Milton signed a four-year, $4,203,316 rookie contract with the New England Patriots that included a $183,316 signing bonus and $183,316 guaranteed. The contract carries him through the 2027 season with an average annual salary of $1,050,829.
Following his trade to Dallas, Milton will continue playing under the same contract terms, with the Cowboys inheriting the remaining years of his rookie deal.
His contract represents typical value for a sixth-round draft pick, with modest guaranteed money but potential for growth based on performance.
Salary
Milton will earn a base salary of $960,000 while carrying a cap hit of $960,000 for the Cowboys. His rookie season with the Patriots netted him $795,000 in total earnings. The contract structure shows progressive increases each year, with his 2026 salary jumping to $1,075,000 and reaching $1,190,000.
Milton will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, giving him the opportunity to negotiate a new deal based on his development and performance over the next three seasons.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | New England Patriots | $795,000 | $795,000 |
| 2025 | Dallas Cowboys | $960,000 | $960,000 |
| 2026 | Dallas Cowboys | $1,075,000 | $1,075,000 |
| 2027 | Dallas Cowboys | $1,190,000 | $1,190,000 |
| Total | – | – | $4,020,000 |
Endorsements
Milton has built an impressive endorsement portfolio that began during his college career and continues into his professional tenure. His most notable college deals included partnerships with McDonald’s, which featured “The Milton Meal” at select locations.
He also secured endorsement agreements with Beats by Dre, gifting his entire Tennessee team wireless headphones worth $349.99 each. Additionally, Milton signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Panini America for trading cards and memorabilia.
These early endorsement successes demonstrate his marketability and suggest potential for expanded commercial opportunities as his NFL career progresses.
Career Stats
| Category | College Career | 2024 NFL Season |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 43 games (21 starts) | 1 game (0 starts) |
| Completions | 400 | 22 |
| Attempts | 649 | 29 |
| Completion % | 61.6% | 75.9% |
| Passing Yards | 5,353 | 241 |
| Passing TDs | 37 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 146.3 | 111.4 |
| Rushing Attempts | 167 | 10 |
| Rushing Yards | 664 | 16 |
| Rushing TDs | 13 | 1 |
| Longest Pass | N/A | 48 yards |
FAQs
1. Why did the Patriots trade Joe Milton to the Cowboys?
The Patriots traded Milton because they drafted Drake Maye as their future starting quarterback. Team sources indicated Milton struggled with role acceptance and maintaining harmony in the quarterback room, making him expendable despite his physical tools.
2. How did Joe Milton perform in his first NFL start?
In his Week 18 debut against Buffalo (2024 season), Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown, adding 16 rushing yards and another touchdown. His 111.4 passer rating led New England to a 23-16 victory.
3. What makes Milton’s arm strength exceptional?
Milton possesses rare arm strength that allows him to make throws few quarterbacks can attempt, earning nicknames like “Bazooka Joe.” His velocity and deep-ball capability were standout traits at Michigan and Tennessee, though consistency remains a development area.
4. Where did Milton play college football?
He began at Michigan (2018-2020), starting in 2020 before transferring to Tennessee (2021-2023). At Tennessee, he became full-time starter in 2023 after backing up Hendon Hooker and earned Orange Bowl MVP honors.
5. What is Joe Milton’s contract value with the Cowboys?
Milton is under a four-year, $4.2 million rookie contract originally signed with New England. His 2025 salary is $960,000, with earnings projected to reach $1.19 million. The deal includes $183,316 in guaranteed money.
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