The New England Patriots have been active in the opening week of the offseason. They’ve added to their defense with Milton Williams, Carlton Davis III, and Harold Landry. They’ve added Mack Hollins to give Drake Maye a weapon at receiver. They still have a league-high $101.5 million in cap space and could have one big move up their sleeve with the fourth overall pick in next month’s draft.
While Maye’s presence makes a trade-up unlikely, the Patriots have plenty of assets to make their stash of selections including four selections in the top 100 picks even greater. That includes a young player who is generating interest across the league and putting a significant price point on an ideal trade.
Patriots Have Shocking Asking Price for QB Joe Milton
Joe Milton has captured intrigue as a possible trade target after an impressive performance in a Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills’ backups. The sixth-round pick out of Tennessee, played well, completing 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, and could be dangled for a pick in a desperate quarterback market.
But Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland and The Land on Demand provided some sticker shock when he revealed New England is asking for a third-round pick in return.
“Sources closer to the situation than me expect the asking price of the Patriots to be a third-round pick,” Grossi wrote in a mailbag column. “I’m not sure I’d make that deal, but I would definitely inquire to see if some conditions could be negotiated to make the deal more equitable.”
The Patriots’ asking price seems insane for a player who has played in one game. But Milton’s breakout performance may have come at the perfect time. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns are three teams that are desperate for a quarterback but don’t have an immediate option. While the Steelers and Giants wait on Aaron Rodgers, the Browns are looking for a cost-effective solution with Deshaun Watson’s contract still on the books.
Watson will not play this season and with Cleveland coming off a 3-14 campaign, the Browns’ brain trust of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry could be working for their jobs next season. The Browns already took one step by acquiring Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but they may want competition. Selecting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward with the second overall pick is another solution but it could backfire if the Tennessee Titans take their preferred option with the No. 1 overall pick.
That could leave Milton as the belle of the ball. If a team is desperate for a quarterback, a third-round pick may be worth it. But that would also give the Patriots a significant profit from their original investment, leading Grossi to believe the Browns aren’t interested unless they can bring down the price.
“What about a fourth-round pick in 2026 that improves to a third if Milton plays a certain among of offensive snaps?” Grossi asked. “He’s an intriguing talent, but far from a developed product.”
Whatever the Patriots decide to do, Milton is sure to be on the trade block through the draft. It could lead New England to cash in on a prospect they may not need with Maye locked in as the quarterback of the future and accelerate Mike Vrabel’s rebuild in Foxborough.