The
New England Patriots' decision to sign quarterback Josh Dobbs earlier this week has led to speculation that the franchise could be looking to trade quarterback Joe Milton.
Milton, a former
Tennessee Vols standout who was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Patriots, served as New England's No. 3 quarterback as a rookie last season.
The former Vol started the Patriots' regular-season finale and led the team to a win against the
Buffalo Bills. Milton passed for 241 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for a touchdown, in the win.
Dobbs, a journeyman quarterback who also played college football at Tennessee, will likely serve as the primary backup in New England in 2025.
It makes sense that the Patriots could look to trade Milton in an effort to capitalize off his solid performance last season against the Bills.
But according to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, there likely won't be a big trade market for Milton this offseason.
Robinson spoke to multiple NFL front office executives about Milton. Most of the responses indicated that one good start in the regular season won't be enough to convince teams to give up a high draft pick for Milton.
“He fell in the draft because the evaluations were what they were," said an AFC talent evaluator to Robinson. "What’s changed? It’s not like he was out there developing as a starter [last season].”
A "high level AFC executive" told Robinson that he doesn't think Milton excels at reading defenses while also questioning Tennessee's offensive system.
“Two picks in the Senior Bowl game, not the best at reading defenses, despite a million-dollar smile and a huge arm,” said the AFC executive. “He couldn’t keep the job at Michigan, ran a simple system at UT. People don’t forget.”
An NFC evaluator suggested that Milton needs another strong preseason to generate trade interest.
All it takes is one team to fall in love with Milton and make the Patriots an offer they can't refuse. But for now, at least based on what Robinson's hearing from front office members, it doesn't sound like the Patriots are going to be flooded with trade offers for Milton anytime soon.