Did New England Patriots Transfer Joel Milton to Prioritize Drake Maye?

Even after exhibiting promise in his sole NFL look, quarterback Joe Milton is now not included within the New England Patriots’ future. The group’s surprising transfer to commerce their 2024 sixth-round choice got here simply days after a noteworthy efficiency within the regular-season finale, leaving followers and analysts questioning.

Milton, who stays beneath contract for an additional three years on a rookie deal, was seen by some as a developmental participant deserving of retention. New England has different concepts, although, however what pushed the group to commerce the rookie?

Steering Clear of Another Quarterback Scandal

Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal, as relayed by CBS Sports’ Bill Jones, reported that the Patriots didn’t wish to relive previous quarterback drama. The Patriots particularly needed to repeat their horrible mistake of mixing Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe within the locker room. The off-field drama solely worsened for years.

Milton believes that he’ll ultimately develop into an NFL starter, and as a lot as that need is to be admired, it allegedly raised inner flags. The Patriots instantly observed that having Milton and Maye share a roster may create inner battle, significantly if Maye underperforms within the early years of his profession.

Milton’s confidence and conviction as a starter may need been the catalyst for future quarterback controversies—one thing New England clearly needs to do as they prioritize unleashing Drake Maye’s potential.

Joe Milton Wasn’t a Mike Vrabel Pick

Another main purpose Milton left is that he wasn’t chosen by the brand new head coach, Mike Vrabel. Although Eliot Wolf nonetheless heads the Patriots’ entrance workplace and technically drafted Milton, Giardi implies Vrabel now has precise energy in constructing the group.

Drake Maye wasn’t Vrabel’s alternative both, however he was a prime three draft alternative and the franchise’s future. Trading Milton was a press release: Maye is the person, and the group does not wish to have a quarterback controversy in 2025 and past.

Milton’s Impressive Debut Wasn’t Enough

Milton’s sole Patriots look was within the 2024 season finale. He went 22-for-29 for 241 yards and a landing and in addition rushed for a rating, aiding in one of many group’s few victories that 12 months.

Ironically, that win may need broken New England’s draft standing, including one other twist to Milton’s story.

Nevertheless, the entrance workplace determined to maneuver rapidly. The Patriots signed veteran Josh Dobbs as an apparent backup to Maye and traded Milton to the Dallas Cowboys for a small return: the possibility to leap up 46 spots late within the draft.

Joe Milton Will Shine on His Own in Dallas

In Dallas, Milton might be behind franchise QB Dak Prescott, who’s solidified because the starter attributable to his play and contract, in line with Pro Football Rumors. But with Prescott’s damage historical past and age, Milton could have a greater probability at enjoying time in Texas than he ever would have had in New England.

While the switch was sudden, it was lastly a strategic choice for each events. The Patriots sidestep controversy and set up round Maye, whereas Milton receives a contemporary starting on a group that can probably want him down the highway.