Philadelphia Eagles Start Former Dallas Cowboys QB Joe Milton III Against New York Giants
PHILADELPHIA — Shortly after last Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders, the Philadelphia Eagles felt a change at quarterback was needed, The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reported Saturday. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III makes his first career start Sunday against the New York Giants.
After Tanner McKee went 0-3 as a starter, Philadelphia needed something different at the position, according to Jones.
“All I know is I see a guy back there where something is happening,” one team source told Jones.
Nick Sirianni Explains Switch Two Days After Backing Tanner McKee
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni spent his Monday press conference looking for answers after a sixth straight loss.
“Tanner’s our guy,” Sirianni said. “We’re not making any changes there. Again, how do we find solutions? We’re looking at everything as far as what we can do differently as coaches.”
Sirianni told McKee about the change Tuesday. ESPN reported it Wednesday afternoon, less than two hours after Sirianni’s press conference that day. On Friday, Sirianni said McKee had played solid in his three starts and pointed to what the staff has seen from Milton in practice.
“He’s talented and been here for a couple weeks now,” Sirianni explained. “Very talented arm, very talented athlete, can process and make decisions out there.”
McKee completed 72-of-114 passes for 638 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in losses to the Carolina Panthers, Dallas, and Washington. Philadelphia (2-6) has lost six straight.
Joe Milton III Gets First Start 23 Days After Leaving Cowboys
The New England Patriots drafted Milton in the sixth round out of Tennessee in 2024. Dallas acquired him in April 2025, and he spent last season as a backup behind Dak Prescott.
In four games for the Cowboys last season, Milton completed 15-of-24 passes for 183 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. He also ran 5 times for 50 yards. His most recent action came against New York in the Jan. 4 regular-season finale, a 34-17 Giants win, when he completed 7-of-13 passes for 73 yards and an interception.
Across five career games, all in relief, Milton is 37-of-53 for 424 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The Eagles signed him off the Cowboys’ practice squad on Oct. 16, a day before starter Jalen Hurts went on injured reserve with blood clots in his lungs. Within about a week, Milton passed rookie Cole Payton for the backup job, NBC Sports Philadelphia reported. Sunday’s start comes 23 days and 10 practices after his arrival.
Milton is the first former Cowboy to start at quarterback for the Eagles since Rodney Peete in 1995, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. He spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as an Eagle and said his 1-year-old daughter keeps him grounded.
“I mean, I always (want to) be where my feet are,” Milton said. “My daughter does a great job of reminding me of that.”
New York (4-2-1) leads the NFC East, with the Cowboys second at 3-5. Giants coach John Harbaugh said his staff learned of the change before taking the practice field.
“Word travels fast,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not so different than the previous quarterback they had. You just watch the plays.”
The Eagles have a bye in Week 10 after Sunday’s game.
