When the Patriots signed Joshua Dobbs, a subsequent rumor about a potential Joe Milton trade surfaced. The cannon-armed New England reserve is not in position to back up Drake Maye next season, and the Pats look to be interested in seeing what market could emerge for their Week 18 starter.
Impressing during Patriots training camp last year, Milton faded into the background as Maye showed early promise. But interest appears to remain in the Tennessee alum. A growing sentiment exists that the Patriots are listening to trade offers on the 2024 sixth-round pick, the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin notes.
With Maye the unquestioned starter and Dobbs set to be his backup for a new coaching staff, Volin adds the Patriots are probably aiming to trade Milton this offseason. Doing so would reaffirm an organizational commitment to Maye, whose arm strength is not on Milton’s level. Though no quarterback controversy exists, Milton buzz did percolate during Pats camp last year. That now can be used as trade hype, as the Mike Vrabel regime appears interested in gauging a market early.
Three years remain on Milton’s rookie contract, adding value for teams here. It would be a stretch for a team to trade for Milton viewing him as a potential 2025 starter, but the NFL has a handful of QB-needy teams. Beyond the Giants and Steelers, the Browns and Titans join the Vikings in being interested in at least a potential starter. Milton may not check in as such, despite playing in Week 18 — a Patriots win over Bills second-stringers that dropped New England’s draft slot to No. 4 overall — but he would be an intriguing option during an offseason featuring aging bridge possibilities and a maligned QB rookie class.
The Pats moved off previous backup/late-season starter Bailey Zappe to make room for Milton last year, and while they would need a new third-string option if they deal Milton, a market probably exists. A trade that brings back a Day 2 pick should be the goal here, Volin writes, potentially pointing to the Patriots hanging onto the younger of their two reserve QBs if Day 3 choices are offered. A Day 2 selection is aiming high for a player chosen 193rd overall, and one who is already 25 after spending six years in college.
But Milton goes 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, presenting some rushing ability (as evidenced by a 4.63-second 40-yard time last year) along with arm talent. A team not enamored with this year’s draft class could look to Milton, with market factors likely influencing a potential Patriots push for a Day 2 pick to move on early.