Earlier this month, the New England Patriots shocked their entire fanbase, trading second-year quarterback Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
When the trade was initially announced, Patriots fans were not pleased with the compensation they received for the young quarterback. With New England signing veteran Joshua Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million contract in free agency as Drake Maye’s backup, it made sense for the Pats to get something of value back for Milton.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Vrabel spoke with reporters as the franchise prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Vrabel was asked about the Milton trade and gave an interesting answer that sheds light on how he sees the quarterback room.
"Well, we felt like that his reps were going to be decreased as we worked through the offseason. And we felt like just like every other decision, we're going to try to do what's best for the team, and that's the decision that we ultimately made, Vrabel said (h/t Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald). And so, excited to move forward with Drake and Josh, and that's going to be a tough one for me to continue to say over and over, Drake and Josh."
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on trading Joe Milton III: "Well, we felt like that his reps were going to be decreased as we worked through the offseason. And we felt like just like every other decision, we're going to try to do what's best for the team, and that's the decision that we…
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 15, 2025
Based on his answer, we can summarize that Milton would be the QB3 and wouldn’t play a bunch this season. And if that’s the case, the young quarterback wouldn’t develop in New England as their priority is improving Maye’s game, who showed flashes of good QB play last season.
Therefore, it was in the best interest of both sides to part ways. The Patriots have their QB room pretty much set unless they add another guy during the draft or the UDFA period.
Meanwhile, Milton will get a chance to be the backup to Dak Prescott and have a legitimate shot at developing his game, with the possibility of starting if Prescott gets injured.
Dallas fans hope that Milton’s performance in Week 18 last season is a sign of things to come, while Patriots fans will look for Maye to take that next step in his career under the direction of new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.