The New England Patriots have made several notable roster additions this offseason, but quarterback Joe Milton III became the team’s most notable departure when their trade with the Dallas Cowboys was finalized.
New England traded Milton — alongside a 2025 seventh-round pick (No. 217) — to Dallas in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round selection (No. 171). The trade became a hot conversation topic as the Patriots surrendered one of their backup options to starting quarterback Drake Maye, for pretty much nothing in return. The biggest question prompted by the trade also remains an understandable talking point: Why was New England so quick to depart from Milton, and clear up any competition for Maye?
Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer addressed that question with some clarification.
“I’ve also heard some people ask why you’d avoid putting competition in the room to push Maye, and I’d look at that the other way around,” Breer reported Monday. “From what I’ve been able to gather, I don’t think he’s the type of guy who needs to be pushed. It might help marginally, but at this stage of his career, I understand why the Patriots feel like the bigger payoff would come with putting a mentor in the room for him.”
Milton left a solid impression, albeit limited to 29 pass attempts with the Patriots last season. The 25-year-old recorded 22 completions for 241 yards with a touchdown, plus a rushing touchdown, playing behind Maye. New England selected Milton in the sixth round (193rd overall) of last year’s draft, and was immediately thrown in the shadows as all attention was directed on Maye — who began the season playing second fiddle behind nine-year veteran Jacoby Brissett.
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Now, having undergone an offseason spending spree in free agency, the Patriots will look forward to this year’s draft in a little over two weeks. New England owns the No. 4 overall pick, which could net the franchise another roster-bolstering addition to join first-year head coach Mike Vrabel’s locker room.
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