Because the Patriots have many roster holes to deal with this offseason, any and all potential ways of improving the team have not been deemed off-limits, including blockbuster trades. For the most part, it has mostly involved the Patriots making a big trade for a top-name player, with wide receiver dominating all proposed trades, especially since they don’t have many desirable players on their roster to trade away.
But that doesn’t mean they won’t explore possible trades with the few players that teams might be calling to inquire about, like quarterback Joe Milton III.
It was an unexpected move for Jerod Mayo and Co. to double dip at the position in last year’s draft having selected Drake Maye with the third overall pick, but they did just that in the sixth round by taking the Tennessee product. He was a standout for his big arm and athleticism, but fell to the sixth due to analysts and experts not believing he was starting quality.
That might have changed after his impressive showing in Week 18, leading the Patriots to their fourth win of the season against the Bills. It seemed to have caught the attention of some quarterback-needy teams, and since the incoming rookie class isn’t considered very impressive, Milton is now considered a top trade prospect.
Patriots could get a solid return ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft for QB Joe Milton III
With a few teams picking ahead of them in the upcoming draft who need a quarterback, it’s far from a sure thing that they will select one. The class isn’t labeled as a strong group with the potential to become the next franchise player, which might make those teams pass on a rookie and look for a trade instead.
That’s why the Patriots are being thrown into the mix as one of the few teams that might get calls for that very reason since Milton could potentially be available.
Because they are likely looking to add more draft picks to their stockpile and Milton could be one of their more expendible players, it’s entirely plausible that Mike Vrabel and Co. will entertain trade talks with teams like the Browns and Raiders, who have both been connected to the quarterback so far this offseason.
The Browns are in an undesirable position, being tied to Deshaun Watson for what seems like eternity after trading for him after his controversies. They took on his insane contract in hopes he would bring them out of mediocrity after turning their back on Baker Mayfield. Instead, he has been a worse player and is now dealing with an injury that puts his 2025 season in jeopardy.
They do hold the second overall pick, which puts them in solid position to get one of the top prospects of the 2025 class. But will they like one of them enough to take one is the question.
The Raiders are in a slightly better situation, having no legitimate starting quality quarterback on the roster ahead of free agency. They will probably explore their options once free agency begins, including trading for Milton, but they could also look to trade up for their spot in the first round. They hold the No. 6 pick, which might eliminate them from snagging one of the few top prospects.
Acquiring Milton would essentially be like drafting a rookie, since he will only be in his second season, and it works out for the Patriots to receive some sort of draft capital. But besides that, the new regime in Foxboro will have to seriously consider if trading away a seemingly impressive backup quarterback would be the smartest move since it is imperative to have a solid bench.
