The New England Patriots are “contemplating” trading sophomore quarterback Joe Milton III this offseason, according to a report by The Boston Sports Journal. It would make sense. The Patriots are focused on building around Drake Maye as the long-term franchise QB in Foxborough, and Milton could capture interest elsewhere after performing admirably in spurts.
The sixth-round selection played extensively in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. Milton completed 22-of-29 passing attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions in a season-finale victory. He added 16 rushing yards and a running score to his offensive totals. He was equally as impressive in stretches throughout the preseason.
The 2025 NFL Draft features a weaker class of quarterbacks. Milton will garner interest from teams searching for alternative solutions. We've identified three potential landing spots for Milton via trade.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is entering a contract year. General manager John Schneider has responded lukewarmly to his advances regarding a potential contract extension. Thus, the Seahawks may let their aging quarterback play out the final year of his previously signed three-year extension.
If so, Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald must consider potential succession plans. They acquired Sam Howell in a trade last offseason, but he didn't appear capable of replacing Smith in the future. Acquiring Milton and having him sit behind Smith for a year before taking over as the starter could ensure the Seahawks have a 2026 plan at quarterback.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns own the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans reserve the opportunity to draft Cam Ward or Sheduer Sanders with the top pick, or they could trade it to a QB-needy team looking to leapfrog the Browns. Cleveland needs to have another plan as they prepare to replace Deshaun Watson.
Taking a chance on Milton's raw abilities would be worth the gamble if Sanders/Ward aren't attainable. The Browns have a terrific offensive-minded head coach in Kevin Stefanski who would be capable of developing Milton. The franchise simply can't run it back with Watson, who already suffered a second serious offseason Achilles injury during his recovery from a season-ending one.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams won the competitive NFC West in 2024. They then upset the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round. Sean McVay's squad barely lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. However, their championship window remains slightly open with the aging Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback.
General manager Les Snead and McVay must start preparing for life post-Stafford though. They've routinely been linked to quarterbacks in recent drafts and even selected Stetson Bennett with a fourth-round pick in 2023. McVay once rehabilitated Baker Mayfield before he began impressing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's the ideal coach to develop or rebuild a quarterback. Milton couldn't ask for a better landing spot.
