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Who is Joe Milton? 5 things to know about Eagles' new starting QB
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- Who is Joe Milton? 5 things to know about Eagles' new starting QB
The Philadelphia Eagles are turning to Joe Milton in hopes of reviving an offense that has struggled through eight games and six consecutive losses. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Philadelphia will start Milton against the New York Giants on Sunday, replacing Tanner McKee after three consecutive losses, with the former Stanford quarterback directing the offense.
The move comes less than three weeks after the Eagles signed Milton from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, giving the former Tennessee standout an unexpected opportunity to become Philadelphia's third starting quarterback of the season.
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Here are five things to know about the Eagles' new starting quarterback.
1. Joe Milton began his college career at Michigan
Milton began his college career at Michigan in 2018 and spent three seasons with the Wolverines before transferring to Tennessee. He initially competed for playing time behind other quarterbacks before earning a start in 2020.
Milton transferred to Tennessee in 2021, where he spent three seasons developing under head coach Josh Heupel.
The change of scenery eventually helped him establish himself as an NFL prospect.
2. Milton enjoyed his best college season at Tennessee
Milton became Tennessee's full-time starting quarterback in 2023, completing 229 of 354 passes for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 299 yards and seven touchdowns, demonstrating the mobility that makes him an intriguing option for Philadelphia's offense.
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The 6-foot-5 quarterback finished the season with 3,112 yards of total offense, helping Tennessee finish the regular season 8-4.
His exceptional arm strength became one of his defining traits during the pre-draft process, though questions about consistency and accuracy contributed to his sixth-round selection.
3. He impressed during his NFL debut with New England
The Patriots selected Milton with the 193rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He made his regular-season debut against Buffalo in the 2024 season finale, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score.
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New England won 23-16, giving Milton a chance to show his physical tools against NFL competition.
Despite the encouraging performance, the Patriots eventually moved in another direction at quarterback.
4. Milton joined the Eagles after spending time with Dallas
New England traded Milton to Dallas during the 2025 offseason, giving him another opportunity to develop behind an established starter. Milton appeared in four games for the Cowboys during the 2025 season, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Dallas eventually moved him to its practice squad, where Philadelphia signed him on Oct. 16. He arrived as the Eagles dealt with uncertainty around Jalen Hurts, whose season was derailed by blood clots.
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Milton now has an opportunity to establish himself with an NFC East rival.
5. His physical tools could change Philadelphia's offense
Milton brings a different skill set than McKee, particularly with his ability to throw deep passes and extend plays outside the pocket. Those traits could give offensive coordinator Sean Mannion more options for an offense averaging 17.1 points per game.
Philadelphia has struggled to consistently create explosive plays, sustain drives, and establish its running game.
Milton's mobility could help offset some protection issues, while his arm strength creates opportunities to stretch opposing defenses. However, he must also demonstrate improved decision-making and accuracy after receiving limited regular-season opportunities during his first two NFL seasons. The Eagles enter Sunday at 2-6, making Milton's first start with Philadelphia an important audition for a quarterback trying to establish himself as a legitimate NFL starter.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Who is Joe Milton? 5 things to know about Eagles' new starting QB
