Patriots' Joe Milton III Reportedly Subject of 'Multiple' Trade Calls Amid NFL Rumors

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III played in only one game during his rookie season in 2024, but it was reportedly enough to make him a trade candidate around the NFL.

According to Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive, multiple sources said the Patriots "have received multiple trade inquiries" for Milton.

While it's unclear if New England is willing to deal him away, it was noted that "there does seem to be motivation" from Milton to be moved, as "a source close to the quarterback said Milton would prefer to be on a roster that best gives him a chance to compete for the starting job."

Milton made his professional debut in the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills, relieving starter Drake Maye after he played one series. He completed 22 of his 29 passes for 241 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions while also adding a rushing score to help lead the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Bills, who had already won the AFC East title and were resting most of their starters in preparation for the playoffs.

The victory took New England out of the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, dropping the team to No. 4.

Milton turned heads during the lead-up to the 2024 NFL draft with his incredibly powerful arm. The Patriots selected the former Tennessee signal-caller in the sixth round after drafting Maye with the No. 3 overall pick.

First-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel recently commented on the trade speculation surrounding Milton, speaking vaguely about whether his spot on the team is secure.

"I think Joe did everything they asked him to do last year … he worked extremely hard," Vrabel said at the NFL annual meeting, per SI.com's Mike Kadlick. "And that's tough when you're a quarterback. Everybody wants to play … He was ready for his opportunity there late in the season, which I commend him on… Where that leads to, we'll see as the draft approaches or where Joe is on April 7th to start our offseason program."

Milton is a promising talent who has clearly intrigued other teams, so the Patriots could receive a solid return if they choose to trade him at some point this offseason.