Patriots QB Carousel: Should New England Trade Joe Milton for a Draft Upgrade?
The New England Patriots’ quarterback situation has been a topic of constant discussion and change since the departure of Tom Brady. After a disappointing 8-9 season in 2024, despite flashes of brilliance from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots find themselves at a crossroads with their QB depth chart. While Maye is undoubtedly the future, the presence of Joe Milton III, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has sparked debate: Should the Patriots trade Milton to acquire a higher draft pick and further solidify their roster?
The Allure of Joe Milton’s Untapped Potential
Joe Milton III possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength that has scouts drooling. At 6’5″ and 235 pounds, Milton is a physical specimen with a cannon for an arm. Draft analysts have noted his “effortless deep ball” and ability to make throws that other quarterbacks simply can’t. During his final season at Tennessee, Milton showcased his potential, throwing for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns.
However, Milton is still a raw prospect. He only started 17 games in six years of college football, and his accuracy and decision-making remain inconsistent. Some analysts have even suggested that Milton might be better suited for a position change to tight end, similar to Logan Thomas. Despite these concerns, Milton’s physical tools are undeniable, and his impressive Week 18 performance last season has piqued the interest of several teams around the league.
The Case for Trading Milton: Capitalizing on Value
The Patriots have Drake Maye as their franchise quarterback. They also signed veteran Joshua Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million deal to serve as a mentor and potential backup. With Maye and Dobbs seemingly locked in as the top two quarterbacks, Milton’s path to playing time in New England is unclear. According to MassLive.com, Milton “would prefer to be on a roster that best gives him a chance to compete for the starting job.”
Trading Milton would allow the Patriots to capitalize on his value and acquire a draft pick that could be used to address other needs on the roster. The Patriots have several areas they need to improve, including wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker. A higher draft pick could help them land a potential impact player at one of these positions.
The Potential Return: What Could the Patriots Get?
While Milton’s potential is intriguing, his lack of experience and inconsistent play likely limit his trade value. Sports Illustrated’s Matthew Schmidt suggests that Milton might fetch a fourth-round pick “at best.” Albert Breer of SI.com notes that Milton is unlikely to bring back a Day 2 pick.
However, even a fourth-round pick could be valuable for the Patriots. They could use it to select a developmental prospect at a position of need or package it with other picks to move up in the draft. The Patriots have a history of finding valuable contributors in the later rounds of the draft, and a trade involving Milton could provide them with another opportunity to do so.
The Risk of Trading Milton: Depth and Development
Trading Milton would leave the Patriots with only two quarterbacks on their active roster: Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. While Maye is the future, he is still young and unproven. Dobbs is a capable veteran, but he is not a long-term solution.
Keeping Milton would provide the Patriots with valuable depth at the quarterback position. If Maye were to get injured, Milton would be ready to step in and lead the offense. Milton’s presence would also allow the Patriots to continue developing his skills and potentially turn him into a valuable asset down the road.
The Verdict: A Calculated Risk
The decision of whether to trade Joe Milton III is a complex one. The Patriots must weigh the potential benefits of acquiring a higher draft pick against the risk of losing valuable depth at the quarterback position.
Ultimately, the best course of action may depend on the offers the Patriots receive. If they are offered a significant upgrade in the draft, they should strongly consider trading Milton. However, if the offers are underwhelming, they may be better off keeping Milton and continuing to develop his potential.
As head coach Mike Vrabel cryptically stated, “Where that leads to we’ll see as the draft approaches, or where Joe is on April 7 to start our offseason program.” The Patriots’ quarterback carousel continues to spin, and the fate of Joe Milton III remains uncertain.