The Philadelphia Eagles are handing their offense to a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Joe Milton will start under center for the Eagles in Week 9 against the NFC East-leading New York Giants, according to ESPN.
Milton becomes the third player to start at quarterback for Philadelphia this season. Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve, and backup Tanner McKee lost all three of his starts, opening the door for the newest arrival on the roster.
The Eagles signed Milton off the Cowboys' practice squad on Oct. 16, one day before Hurts went on injured reserve. Now, less than three weeks later, he is set to lead the team in a divisional matchup.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised the 25-year-old's preparation on Wednesday morning. "I think he's worked really hard," Sirianni said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia, noting that Milton and quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier "have spent a ton of time together, getting him caught up to speed." He added that Milton "is always in the building, doing the extra things," and said he likes the quarterback's progression.
Milton could restore a deep passing threat to Philadelphia's offense. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has compared his arm strength to that of Brett Favre, though Schottenheimer also voiced concerns about his accuracy and touch. Those reservations helped Sam Howell win the backup job in Dallas, leaving Milton as the Cowboys' No. 3 quarterback on the practice squad, where Philadelphia was able to sign him.
Dallas originally acquired Milton, a sixth-round pick in 2024, in an April 2025 trade with the New England Patriots. He served as Dak Prescott's backup during the 2025 season.
Milton flashed improvement during the Cowboys' three preseason games this year. He completed 29 of 43 passes, a 67.4 percent rate, for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 118.2 passer rating.
Schottenheimer has also spoken warmly about Milton's potential, saying "the arm talent's real" and praising the touch he developed in Dallas' system. He pointed to the learning curve facing quarterbacks who come from spread offenses in college, called the decision to move on from Milton "a very tough decision," and predicted that "Joe's going to be a terrific player in this league."
