Patriots Rumors: Joe Milton Trade Considered Before 2025 NFL Draft, Free Agency

The New England Patriots have reportedly considered trading backup quarterback Joe Milton this offseason.

"What I reported at the Senior Bowl, and it's not exactly like a breaking news sounder or something like that, but the chatter from the All-Star circuit, whether it's the East-West and also the Senior Bowl, was that the Patriots are toying with the idea of making Joe Milton available," Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal reported Tuesday during an appearance on the Felger & Massarotti show (27:15) mark. "I'm sure they're taking calls if people do call. I think it would be wise."

Bedard reported as much back on Feb. 5.

"I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) last year, for at least another season, but there's increasing belief around the NFL that the Patriots are at least contemplating a trade of Milton this offseason," he wrote at the time. "Again, I'm not saying he's on the block right now, but the Patriots will likely consider it when everything settles with the front office and coaching staff."

Bedard also reported previously that "some league executives believe the Patriots could get up to a third-round pick this year" for Milton.

The Patriots were not shy about addressing the quarterback position in the 2024 NFL draft, selecting Drake Maye in the first round and Milton in the sixth. Maye acquitted himself well in his rookie campaign and looks to be the team's franchise quarterback of the future, making Milton—who was likely selected as a backup plan should Maye fail to pan out—a nice potential trade chip for the franchise.

Milton made himself a more attractive trade target when he played well in Week 18, finishing 22-of-29 for 241 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 16 yards and a score against the Buffalo Bills. The Pats won the game, 23-20, a result that ultimately cost them the first overall pick in this year's draft.

Nonetheless, it was a chance for Milton to showcase his athletic upside, and he didn't disappoint:

Even team owner Robert Kraft was impressed by the performance:

For quarterback-needy teams this offseason, Milton could be an intriguing option. This doesn't appear to be a particularly strong draft class at the position, while free agency will have players like Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers available. Veterans like Matt Stafford and Kirk Cousins may also be moved as well.

If a team wants to go with a younger option with tantalizing athleticism, however, giving the Patriots a call would make sense. It wouldn't be a shock if a rebuilding team—one that isn't in a position to draft a Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders—decides to roll the dice on Milton.