Report indicates the Patriots might be willing to trade 2024 sixth-round pick
As the NFL offseason continues, the New York Giants are carefully evaluating all quarterback options. One name that has generated significant buzz among fans is New England Patriots backup Joe Milton. Speculation surrounding a potential trade for Milton has caught the attention of Giants supporters, particularly following reports suggesting the Patriots may be open to moving him this offseason.
According to Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, there’s growing belief around the NFL that with Drake Maye entrenched as the long-term quarterback the Patriots could consider trading the 2024 sixth-round pick as early as this offseason. While Milton isn’t officially on the block, the Patriots are reportedly weighing the option.
What makes Milton particularly intriguing is his raw potential. A physically gifted quarterback with a cannon of an arm, he turned heads during the 2024 season finale against the Buffalo Bills, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and rushing for 16 yards with another score. This type of performance could prompt teams, like the Giants, to take a closer look at him as a high-upside project.
As Bedard notes, some league executives believe Milton could command as much as a third-round pick in trade talks. Given that, it’s a move the Giants could seriously consider, especially if they’re seeking a quarterback with significant upside at a reasonable price.
For the Giants, a trade for Milton would likely be part of a broader quarterback strategy, potentially alongside a rookie or veteran free agent signing. They could view Milton as a developmental quarterback with the potential to evolve into a starter. His athleticism, dual-threat ability, and arm strength are undeniable, but he’s still a work in progress, as evidenced by his inconsistent college career at Tennessee. Despite these flaws Milton’s physical tools are hard to ignore, and if paired with the right coaching he could be a long-term asset.
Fan reactions to the idea of trading for Milton have been mixed, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his potential. While some see him as an intriguing project with high upside, others are concerned about his readiness to start at the NFL level. Despite the doubts, Milton’s ceiling remains high enough to make him an appealing option for a team like the Giants looking for a developmental quarterback with strong physical traits.
Ultimately, the decision facing GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll is whether Milton’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback justifies a third-round pick. This decision will be complicated by the 2025 draft class, which offers fewer top-tier quarterback prospects. If the Giants decide to pursue a veteran quarterback while developing Milton, it could be a worthwhile gamble. However, if they focus their draft picks elsewhere, Milton could provide an intriguing alternative to selecting a traditional rookie quarterback.
