Joe Milton III DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The New England Patriots are discussing the idea of trading quarterback Joe Milton III, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. This is something the Patriots have been considering for a while now, but it makes even more sense after they signed veteran QB Josh Dobbs to a two-year deal in free agency on Monday. Former first-rounder Drake Maye is the unquestioned future of the franchise, but with Dobbs now in town, Milton would likely be the third-stringer if he were to stay in New England. Milton, a former sixth-rounder, was showcased in the regular-season finale last year in the win over the division-rival Buffalo Bills and looked good, going 22-for-29 for 241 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing touchdown on 10 carries. The Patriots are unlikely to get much in return for Milton, who has plenty of questions as a passer but is intriguing as a runner. They could wait to trade him until later this summer.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III made a good enough impression in his NFL debut in the Week 18 victory against the Buffalo Bills backups that he could become a trade chip this offseason. "I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Joe 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," Boston Sports Journal's Greg Bedard wrote. This year's QB draft class is considered weak, and the Pats could fetch up to a third-round pick for Milton this year if QB-needy teams don't feel like taking their chances on QB prospects like Riley Leonard, Dillon Gabriel or Jaxson Dart. If New England doesn't shop Milton before the draft in April, they could revisit and look to trade him this summer.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III completed 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. He also rushed 10 times for 16 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Milton didn't take a sack or throw an interception in the victory, but he did lose a fumble on a botched hand-off with Antonio Gibson. The Patriots needed a loss to secure the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, and in order to get some extra film on Milton, they benched Drake Maye after the opening drive. Milton performed better than anyone could have imagined, completing each of his first 11 pass attempts. He totaled two touchdowns and showed phenomenal mobility. The win dropped New England from No. 1 to No. 4 in the draft order, but that's arguably a fair price to pay in exchange for the assurance that New England has two talented, young playmakers in its quarterback room entering 2025. Maye will remain the starter while Milton is likely headed for the backup role.