Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel non-committal on former Tennessee QB Joe Milton's future in New England
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that the New England Patriots could trade former Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton this offseason. A recent rumor, which reportedly has some truth to it, suggested that the Dallas Cowboys are one team that's interested in acquiring Milton from New England. Milton, a sixth round selection by the Patriots […]
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that the New England Patriots could trade former Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton this offseason.
A recent rumor, which reportedly has some truth to it, suggested that the Dallas Cowboys are one team that's interested in acquiring Milton from New England.
Milton, a sixth round selection by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, is drawing trade interest this offseason thanks to his strong performance in New England's win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 of the 2024 season (241 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown).
On Monday, at the NFL league meetings in Florida, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the possibility of trading Milton this offseason.
Vrabel, who is entering his first season as New England's head coach, didn't rule out keeping Milton on the roster. He also didn't rule out trading the former Volunteers standout.
"I think Joe's did everything that they asked him to do last year," said Vrabel when asked about Milton. "It sounds like, in conversations, that he worked extremely hard. And that's tough. When you're a quarterback, everyone wants to play. Everybody wants to be the starter. And that's great to have that attitude. He was ready for his opportunity (in Week 18) there late in the season, which I commend him on — just like I would any player that sat there and went through a long season, a difficult season, and then got the opportunity, went out, won a football game, played well, helped his team win.
"And then where that leads to, we'll see as the draft approaches, you know, where Joe is on April 7 to start our offseason program. But you have to give Joe credit for being ready to go….and being able to win that football game and stay ready and stay hungry."
It certainly doesn't sound like Vrabel is closed off to the idea of trading Milton this offseason, depending on what opportunities are available.
New England signed former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs to a two year deal earlier this offseason. The expectation is that Dobbs, who is familiar with Vrabel from their time together with the Tennessee Titans in 2022, will serve as the primary backup to starter Drake Maye in 2025.
The addition of Dobbs seemingly makes it more likely that the Patriots will attempt to trade Milton this offseason.
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