In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals traded quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, a decision that Head Coach Jonathan Gannon addressed in a press conference earlier this week. The trade, which sees Milton join the Cowboys ahead of the upcoming NFL season, has raised many eyebrows, as Milton was considered one of the Cardinals’ promising young quarterbacks.
Speaking on the trade, Coach Gannon explained that the decision was made after careful consideration of the team’s future and the direction they want to take. “We believe in Joe’s talent, but ultimately, the timing wasn’t right for us. We’ve been focused on building a strong foundation with Kyler Murray and other key players. This trade allows us to bolster our roster in areas where we felt we needed more depth,” Gannon said. “It was a tough decision, but one we think will benefit both Joe and the organization moving forward.”
Joe Milton, a powerful arm and dynamic presence on the field, was a top contender for a starting role with the Cardinals. However, with Murray firmly entrenched as the starter and the team focusing on rebuilding its roster, the trade seemed to be a logical move to maximize Milton’s value. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are looking for depth at the quarterback position, and with uncertainty surrounding their backup plans, Milton offers a high upside as a developmental prospect behind Dak Prescott.
For the Cardinals, the trade is a strategic one aimed at strengthening other areas of need. Although they are parting ways with a talented quarterback, the move allowed them to acquire draft picks and potentially solidify other positions on the team. The Cardinals have been in the midst of a rebuild, and Gannon emphasized that the organization is prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains.
“Trading Joe wasn’t about his performance—he’s an excellent player,” Gannon clarified. “It’s about where we are as a team right now and what we need to do to become a consistent playoff contender. We’ve got a clear vision for the future, and sometimes tough decisions are required to bring that vision to life.”
