Joe Milton Trade Watch: Why Patriots’ Backup QB is a Hot Commodity This Offseason

The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of player movement, strategic acquisitions, and calculated risks. This year, one name unexpectedly surfaced in trade discussions: Joe Milton III, the New England Patriots’ backup quarterback. After trading Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots are left with just two quarterbacks on their roster – Drake Maye and Josh Dobbs. Odds are, that number will increase before camp. But why is a backup quarterback generating so much buzz, and what makes him such a desirable asset for other teams?

The Milton Missile: A Week 18 Launchpad

Joe Milton III was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. The hype surrounding Milton isn’t built on years of starting experience or a laundry list of accolades. Instead, it stems from a single, electrifying performance in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. Replacing Drake Maye after just one series, Milton essentially made his first NFL start. And he capitalized on the opportunity, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one TD while rushing for another score and committing zero turnovers in a win over the Bills. Sure, Buffalo barely played its starters, but Milton’s performance was nonetheless impressive.

With the Patriots’ playoff hopes dashed, the game offered Milton a chance to showcase his raw talent. He didn’t disappoint. Milton unleashed his cannon arm, delivering passes with impressive velocity and surprising accuracy. He led the Patriots to a 23-16 victory, providing a glimpse of his potential and simultaneously costing the team the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That performance served as a powerful audition, immediately sparking interest from quarterback-needy teams across the league.

Arm Talent Beyond Measure

Milton’s most obvious and coveted attribute is his arm strength. Scouts rave about his ability to make throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of. He can effortlessly launch the ball downfield, hitting receivers in stride with pinpoint accuracy. This rare arm talent allows for a more aggressive offensive approach, stretching defenses and creating opportunities for explosive plays.

Joe Milton, a towering quarterback at 6’5″ and 235 pounds, showcases an impressive skill set as he enters the NFL draft from Tennessee and Michigan. With a cannon arm and the ability to launch deep passes, Milton’s physical attributes stand out, complemented by his mobility as a scrambler.

Beyond the sheer power, Milton also possesses a quick release and the ability to throw from various arm angles. This versatility makes him difficult to defend, as he can deliver accurate passes even under pressure. His physical gifts also trickle into other parts of the passing game. His arm strength lends him impressive deep passing ability, and his velocity allows him to drive the ball where only his WR can reach. He’s also tough and poised in the pocket.

More Than Just a Strong Arm

While his arm strength is the headlining attraction, Milton offers more than just a powerful throwing ability. At 6’5″ and weighing around 246 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He’s a capable runner, able to escape the pocket and pick up yards with his legs. This mobility adds another dimension to his game, making him a threat in RPO (run-pass option) situations and extending plays when the pocket collapses.

Milton started for Tennessee during the first two games of the 2021 season, but an injury sidelined him, allowing Hendon Hooker to take over. Hooker didn’t relinquish the role until an ACL tear late in 2022. Yet, Milton played well enough in a limited sample to generate excitement for 2023. In his lone season as Tennessee’s full-time starter at QB, Milton operated the offense efficiently, completing 229 of 354 attempts (64.7%) for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He also ran for almost 300 yards and seven additional scores.

The Patriots’ Quarterback Conundrum

The Patriots’ decision to entertain trade offers for Milton stemmed from their quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season. With Drake Maye, the future of the Patriots at quarterback, Milton’s name has popped up in trade rumors this offseason. It’s unclear if the Patriots will deal him away, but Mass Live is reporting that Milton “would prefer to be on a roster that best gives him a chance to compete for the starting job.”.

After using the third overall pick to draft Maye in last year’s draft, the Patriots drafted Milton out of Tennessee with a sixth-round pick selection.

With Maye entrenched as the starter and veteran Joshua Dobbs signed to be the primary backup, Milton’s path to playing time in New England was unclear. Recognizing his potential and the value he could bring to another team, the Patriots opted to capitalize on his trade value.

Teams in the Hunt

Several teams expressed interest in acquiring Milton, each with their own unique reasons.

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys were in the market for a reliable backup to Dak Prescott. After parting ways with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, Dallas needed to replenish its quarterback room. Milton’s arm talent and potential made him an attractive option, and the Cowboys ultimately won the bidding war.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns have been perpetually searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. While they traded for Kenny Pickett, they still have a glaring, long-term need at the position. The Browns hold the No. 2 (round 1), No. 33 (R2), No. 67 (R3), No. 94 (R3), No. 104 (R4), No. 179 (R6), No. 192 (R6), No. 200 (R6), No. 216 (R6) and No. 255 (R7) picks in the 2025 NFL draft.
New Orleans Saints: With Derek Carr’s future uncertain, the Saints were exploring options to potentially groom a young quarterback. With that in mind, we put our general manager hats on and came up with a Saints-Milton trade that would send receiver Chris Olave to New England.

The Trade and its Implications

Ultimately, the Patriots traded Milton and a seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This move benefits both teams. The Cowboys secure a promising backup quarterback with the potential to develop into a starter. The Patriots, in turn, acquire valuable draft capital to address other roster needs.

The Cowboys are acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III from the Patriots in a trade, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Milton and a seventh-round pick will go to Dallas, while New England will receive a fifth-round selection.

The trade also reflects the evolving landscape of the NFL quarterback market. Teams are increasingly valuing quarterbacks with high upside, even if they lack extensive experience. Milton’s raw talent and potential outweighed his limited track record, making him a hot commodity this offseason.

Milton’s Future in Dallas

In Dallas, Milton will have the opportunity to learn behind Dak Prescott, a proven veteran. He’ll be able to hone his skills, refine his decision-making, and develop into a more polished quarterback. While he may not see significant playing time in the immediate future, he’ll be one injury away from taking the reins of one of the league’s most storied franchises.

The Cowboys needed to replenish its quarterback room after parting ways with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Instead of signing an aging veteran (like Joe Flacco) or drafting a rookie, the Cowboys were able to acquire the 25-year-old Milton, who has one NFL game under his belt and one year of NFL experience. Milton will now share a quarterback room with Prescott and Will Grier, a 30-year-old veteran, who, like Prescott, can help serve as a mentor for Dallas’ newest quarterback.

Joe Milton’s journey from a relatively unknown backup to a sought-after trade target is a testament to the power of potential. His rare arm talent and athleticism have captured the attention of NFL teams, making him one of the most intriguing players to watch this offseason. While his future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Joe Milton is a quarterback with the potential to make a significant impact in the league.