Trade rumors surrounding New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III have gained momentum ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With several quarterback-needy teams reportedly expressing interest, the Patriots may have a valuable asset on their hands, sparking speculation about where Milton will end up.
What’s Driving Trade Interest in Patriots QB Joe Milton
A former sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Milton wowed with a standout performance in New England’s Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, threw a touchdown and ran for another. His debut earned him an impressive QB+ grade of 80.8 (B-), ranking seventh among quarterbacks that week and marking one of the best single-game performances by a Patriots QB in recent years.
Known for his cannon-like arm and dual-threat ability, Milton’s emergence comes at an interesting time for New England. The team already has its face of the future in Drake Maye, whom it selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the same draft. Maye has exceeded expectations as the starter, leaving Milton as a competent backup — or a potential trade chip.
“It looks like we lucked out — we maybe have two quarterbacks,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft after Milton’s breakout game.
QB-Needy NFL Teams Reaching Out to Patriots About Joe Milton
According to NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo, multiple teams have already contacted the Patriots to inquire about Milton’s availability. With several franchises desperate for stability at quarterback, Milton’s upside and affordability on a rookie contract make him an attractive option.
Hearing multiple QB-needy teams have inquired about Patriots QB Joe Milton
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_)
The Patriots find themselves in an enviable position as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. They hold the No. 4 overall pick and could use Milton as leverage to address other roster needs. With glaring holes across their lineup following a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024, flipping Milton for draft capital or proven talent could accelerate their rebuild — especially after a very active and expensive free agency splurge.
Milton’s combination of physical tools and poise under pressure makes him an enticing prospect. His affordable rookie deal also provides flexibility for franchises looking to build around a young quarterback without committing significant financial resources.
What a Joe Milton Trade Means for New England
Moving Milton could bring valuable assets to bolster the Patriots’ roster around Maye. While the team signed All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs and veteran tackle Morgan Moses, the offense could still use upgrades. The team also brought in Josh Dobbs, presumably to be the backup, making Milton expendable.
Fans have been vocal about what New England should demand in return for Milton. “In a league filled with reactionary owners and a premium being placed on QB talent… ask for the motherload,” one fan tweeted.
In a league filled with reactionary owners and a premium being placed on QB talent…. ask for the MotherLoad. The worst case scenario is you’ve still got him under contract.
— Stanislaw (@LeStaszu)
Taking a chance on someone like Milton could be worth significant draft capital or player assets, but after most of the dominoes have fallen in the QB carousel, the market for Milton might be dwindling.
The Tennessee Titans are projected to take No. 1 QB prospect Cam Ward and have Will Levis as a backup capable of winning in a pinch.
The Cleveland Browns could be a suitor at the second pick, with analysts predicting the team will pass on Shedeur Sanders. But they already traded for former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett and could select 25-year-old Tyler Shough at the top of the second round without sacrificing picks.
The New York Giants have the No. 3 overall pick, but they signed veteran free agents Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, in addition to retaining emergency QB Tommy DeVito.
The Las Vegas Raiders traded for Geno Smith and have a more-than-competent backup in 27-year-old Aidan O’Connell.
With Derek Carr’s future in question, the New Orleans Saints might be a fit. Carr will be 35 years old when the 2025 season begins and is due to be a free agent after the 2026 campaign. The team does have Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener under contract, but neither looked great filling in for Carr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be on the brink of signing Aaron Rodgers after a video surfaced of the former MVP throwing with newly signed free agent wideout DK Metcalf. The squad also brought back former third-round pick Mason Rudolph, who went undefeated and earned a QB rating of 118 in three starts in 2023.
As draft day approaches, will the Patriots capitalize on Milton’s rising stock to address other needs? Or will they hold onto him as a developmental piece behind Maye and now Dobbs? Either way, the Patriots have set themselves up for a promising rebound from their struggles in recent seasons.
For now, Joe Milton III remains one of the most talked-about names in football — a testament to how quickly things can change in the NFL.
