Dallas Cowboys hosted the New Orleans Saints in Oxnard on August 18. That practice resulted in a $500,000 fine after multiple fights broke out, but it also started a trail of appreciation for Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton.

Saints guest coach Nicholas Williams, who is assisting the team’s coaching staff during the preseason, was impressed by Milton’s physical abilities during the practice.

“Just had a joint practice against Joe Milton. Bro is built like Cam Newton and has a cannon for an arm,” Williams wrote on X, replying to former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel.

The trail of appreciation started when ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky suggested that the Atlanta Falcons should trade a late-round pick for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett. Daniel then offered Milton as a better option.

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Williams sees former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s abilities in Milton. But even though Milton has been collecting plenty of wows this preseason, his comparison with Newton is yet to be established.

Newton had an 11-year run in the league and became an immediate starter for the Panthers after being selected first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He won the 2015 NFL MVP award, led Carolina to Super Bowl 50, and became one of the most physically imposing quarterbacks of his generation.

Meanwhile, Milton has been engaged in an ongoing battle for the QB2 spot behind Cowboys starting quarterback Dak Prescott. He and Sam Howell both played in the first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, which Dallas won 17-7.

Howell started the game, while Milton entered later and completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.

Then, at the joint practice with New Orleans, The Athletic Cowboys reporter Jon Machota noted that the third-year QB looked more consistent in his throwing.

“Not only has Milton looked accurate on intermediate and deep throws, but he’s not putting the ball in areas where it could be intercepted,” Machota wrote on August 19.

That improvement became more evident when Milton received his first start of the 2026 preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. He used the opportunity spectacularly, completing nine of 13 passes for 179 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also rushed for a score as Dallas defeated Arizona 34-13.

Milton’s performance gave him a clear advantage in the QB2 battle with Howell. Still, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the competition is far from over.

“This is long from over,” Schottenheimer said. “We’re going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You’ve got to give Joe his credit, he’s played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well.”

The team has continued to rotate the two quarterbacks throughout training camp, giving both players opportunities to prove they can direct the offense behind Prescott.

Milton was drafted in the sixth round by the New England Patriots in 2024 and was traded to Dallas last offseason. Until now, he has played in five regular-season games without making a start. He has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing two interceptions in two years.

That said, the Cowboys will next face the Saints in the final preseason game. That matchup could give Milton another opportunity to show what he has in store against the team whose guest coach compared him to Newton.