As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a trade involving New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III to the Minnesota Vikings. While various reports have circulated about the Patriots’ quarterback situation, no reliable sources have confirmed a finalized deal. The Patriots have been in the middle of a significant roster rebuild, particularly at the quarterback position, following their decision to part ways with former head coach Bill Belichick and their commitment to rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Joe Milton III, a former Tennessee quarterback, signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent and showed flashes of promise in limited action. His strong arm and athleticism made him an intriguing developmental prospect, but with the arrival of Maye, it became clear that Milton’s role within the organization would be uncertain. The Patriots reportedly offered Milton a five-year, $108.6 million contract, but he rejected the deal, fueling speculation about his future with the team.
Rumors began to surface about Milton seeking a trade, and the Minnesota Vikings were one of the teams linked to him. The Vikings, who moved on from longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins, were searching for a reliable quarterback to lead their offense. Their current quarterback situation features Sam Darnold and first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, but there has been speculation that they may be looking for additional depth or competition at the position.
The reported trade details stated that the Patriots would receive a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for Milton. However, no credible sources, including ESPN, NFL Network, or team officials, have confirmed this transaction. The Patriots’ general manager has not publicly announced any such trade, nor have the Vikings made any statements about acquiring Milton.
While the Minnesota Vikings are a logical landing spot for Milton given their need for quarterback depth, other teams have also been rumored to be interested. The Dallas Cowboys, for instance, have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Milton as a potential backup or even a developmental starter, depending on their long-term plans for Dak Prescott.
Milton’s potential departure from New England stems from the team’s clear commitment to Drake Maye as their franchise quarterback. Maye, widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft, is expected to be the Patriots’ long-term answer at the position. With veteran Jacoby Brissett also on the roster as a reliable backup, Milton’s opportunities for playing time would have been limited.
Despite all the speculation, NFL trades and player movements are often subject to change, especially during the offseason. Teams engage in discussions, and reports may emerge before a deal is finalized or even agreed upon. Until an official announcement is made by the Patriots, Vikings, or the NFL, any news about Joe Milton III’s trade should be considered speculative.
Fans should continue to monitor reputable sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and team social media channels for verified updates. Until then, Milton’s future remains uncertain, and his role in the NFL will be determined by upcoming negotiations and team decisions.
