Joe Milton III Trade? Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Weighs In Amid Speculation

The Patriots seem to be keeping their options open ahead of the NFL draft. And in more ways than one.

Speaking with reporters at the annual NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Joe Milton III. Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been included in trade speculation this offseason.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported “several teams” are interested.

“I think Joe did everything they asked him to do last year,” Vrabel told reporters, per a team-provided video. “It sounds like, in conversations, that he worked extremely hard. And that’s tough. When you’re a quarterback everybody wants to play. Everybody wants to be the starter. And it’s great to have that attitude.”

Vrabel lauded Milton for staying ready and producing in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, a game Patriots fans probably wished the team lost. But in doing so, Vrabel kept the door open on a potential trade involving the gunslinger.

“… Where that leads to we’ll see as the draft approaches, or where Joe is on April 7 to start our offseason program,” Vrabel said.

What would the Patriots receive in such a trade? Well, that’s up for debate.

There’s a reason Milton was available in the sixth round just one year ago, and while his raw talent and potential make him more attractive than a typical six-rounder, chances are no team is throwing away a top-100 pick after one NFL game.

If a team calls, though, it’s clear the Patriots will keep their phone lines open.