New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton showed remarkable promise in the Week 18 finale, and the team could trade him and allow him to compete for a starting job somewhere else. Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, entered the league as a widely unpolished high-ceiling prospect. After spending most of his rookie season on the bench, the Patriots allowed him to play most of their Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Joe Milton proved he was up to the challenge, leading the Patriots to a surprise victory over their division rival while boosting his trade value. Even though the Buffalo Bills rested their starters, Milton made throws that most human beings simply cannot make. Normally, teams don’t trade away promising young quarterbacks, but the Patriots are in a unique situation.
REPORT: Patriots Willing to Trade Joe Milton – 4 Suitors Emerge
First-round pick Drake Maye already looks like a franchise quarterback and should be under center for the next decade. This leaves Milton without a path to the field, and the talent-poor Patriots would likely welcome a second- or third-round pick for his services. With Dobbs capable of providing adequate play in an emergency situation, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported the Patriots were willing to trade Joe Milton.
Schultz didn’t say which teams would pursue the second-year quarterback, but looking across the league, it’s easy to see who might be interested.
Pittsburgh Steelers
As of this posting, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers, although the two sides appear to be on a collision course. Rodgers might be a better option in 2025, but the four-time MVP is a year-to-year stopgap option at this stage in his career. Rodgers can start in 2025 while the Steelers watch Milton on the sideline. If he performs well, he could earn the starting job in 2026 and be the long-awaited heir to Ben Roethlisberger.
New York Giants
Just like the Steelers, the New York Giants appear to be in the market for a veteran quarterback like Rodgers or Russell Wilson. These two can keep the ship afloat for a short time, but they must try and find a long-term answer. With underwhelming options in the 2025 NFL Draft, perhaps the Giants call up the Patriots and trade for Joe Milton. The quarterback excels at avoiding pressure, and his rocket arm could be the best thing for breakout first-round pick Malik Nabers.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have the first-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but do not seem to be enamored with the quarterback class. This means that incumbent Will Levis will once again battle for the starting job, and some reports indicate the team is eyeing Mac Jones and Zach Wilson as veteran competition. Instead of going that route, Tennessee could aim for a high-ceiling option with Joe Milton. The current Patriots quarterback would easily be the most talented player based on physical ability, and Week 18 showed he can put it all together.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints restructured Derek Carr’s contract, but that doesn’t make him the long-term answer under center. Carr is a fine starter, but the former Raider cannot elevate the talent around him and is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Adding Milton will give this team some much-needed hope for the future, as fellow 2024 draftee Spencer Rattler did not impress in limited action last year.
Main Photo: David Butler – Imagn Images
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