Dallas got four reserve appearances and 183 passing yards…
Dallas got four reserve appearances and 183 passing yards from Joe Milton in 2025 plus five games and three tackles from Jay Toia. New England converted No. 171 into Andy Borregales and another pick that became Julian Ashby and Kobee Minor. Borregales scored a Patriots-rookie-record 134 points, while Ashby handled all 17 regular-season games at long snapper. New England wins, B+ to C.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Joe Milton
- pick 2025 7th round pick (217th overall, Jay Toia )
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2025 5th round pick (171st overall subsequently traded, Miles Frazier )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Dallas acquired quarterback Joe Milton III and pick No. 217 from New England before the 2025 draft for pick No. 171. The Cowboys used No. 217 on defensive tackle Jay Toia. New England did not select Miles Frazier at 171; it traded that choice to Detroit for No. 182 and No. 228, then moved No. 228 to Kansas City for Nos. 251 and 257.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas received backup and developmental production. Milton appeared in four 2025 games without a start, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while adding 50 rushing yards. He is listed on Dallas' 2026 developmental squad rather than the active roster. Toia appeared in five games with no starts and recorded three tackles. Neither asset had secured a substantial Cowboys role by the end of the first season.
New England Patriots Return
New England's pick chain produced considerably more immediate value. The Patriots used No. 182 on kicker Andy Borregales, who made 27 of 32 field goals, went 53 of 55 on extra points and scored 134 points in 2025—the most ever by a Patriots rookie. The No. 228 branch became long snapper Julian Ashby at 251 and defensive back Kobee Minor at 257. Ashby played all 17 regular-season games and all four playoff games; Minor appeared in four games.
Value in Hindsight
This chain is fully attributable because New England did not add another asset when turning No. 171 into Nos. 182 and 228, or when turning No. 228 into Nos. 251 and 257. Frazier's later Detroit career therefore does not belong to the Patriots' side of the original trade. Borregales already delivered a full season of starting-specialist value, while Ashby became the regular long snapper. Dallas' two pieces remained reserves.
Final Verdict
New England receives B+ and Dallas receives C, producing a New England Patriots Win. Dallas remains C because Milton and Toia did provide real roster depth, just not much game impact. The Patriots' B+ reflects a record-setting rookie kicker, a full-season long snapper and additional depth created from the same fifth-round asset without overstating Minor's four-game contribution.