Since the Dallas Cowboys acquired Joe Milton, we have observed some seismic activity in the NFL world. The Patriots traded their backup quarterback in a shocking move with Jerry Jones‘s Cowboys for a 5th-round pick, and fans are not tolerating Mike Vrabel‘s decision. But, you know, the ‘Joe Milton’ name is not that shallow and has made big waves. Surprisingly, we can see a butterfly effect in Pittsburgh.

An NFL reporter shared a shocking update: the Steelers were interested in Joe Milton. Shocked? But do you know what is even more shocking? The Joe Milton trade has not only disrupted things in Dallas and New England, but it has also ruined Mike Tomlin’s 4-QB plan.

After losing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers are looking for both a backup and starter option. The Steelers head coach is extremely confident that Aaron Rodgers will join the team, making him the main contender for the starting QB position. However, while Aaron is an option, Mike Tomlin also has Mason Rudolph and Skyler Thompson under contract. But… The Steelers’ GM has a four-QB plan.

While talking to reporters about QB positions, Steelers GM Omar Khan said, “I know you guys will ask about the QB position.” He also added, “I’ll just say that we always go to training camp with four quarterbacks. And we have two under contract right now, so all options are on the table through free agency, trade, or draft, obviously.” The breaking news here is that Joe Milton could have been part of Mike Tomlin’s 4-QB plan.

Now, Tomlin and Khan face even more pressure and anxiety as they search for the fourth quarterback, especially since they already have Aaron Rodgers in the mix. While the addition of Rodgers would certainly strengthen their quarterback situation, the loss of the opportunity to sign Joe Milton leaves them scrambling to fill that crucial spot.

Jerry Jones made a standout trade involving Joe Milton

Joe Milton III signed a four-year deal with the Patriots in 2024 worth $4,203,316, meaning he was set to be with them for three more years. But Mike Vrabel decided to trade him for a 5th-round pick to Jerry Jones’s Cowboys. What’s interesting here is that the Cowboys will not regret this decision in two aspects: the financial part and his performance.

Regarding Joe Milton’s contract, the Cowboys’ owner only has to pay the backup QB $960,000 as a base salary for 2025, as he is still a rookie and didn’t sign a lucrative deal like many of the higher-profile quarterbacks. In addition to his base salary, his average annual salary over the length of the contract rises to only $1,050,829, which is quite modest for a player with his potential. Despite being a relatively inexpensive option, Milton’s contract still carries a cap hit of $960,000.

As for his stats, the newly acquired QB played only one game last season. Despite playing just one game, Milton completed 22 out of 29 passes for a completion percentage of 75.9% against the Bills on January 5, 2025. In that game, he didn’t throw a single interception nor get sacked once. So, the Cowboys made a great deal, considering both benefits. And as Dak Prescott is recovering from his hamstring injury at a faster pace, Joe Milton, as a backup, can also give Jerry Jones a sigh of relief.