Rumors: ESPN clears the air on NFL trade rumors surrounding former Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton, a former Tennessee Vols standout who started his college career with the Michigan Wolverines before transferring to Rocky Top, has been the subject of frequent trade rumors this offseason.

Milton, who was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, made one start as a rookie last season, and he made the most of his opportunity, passing for 241 yards and accounting for two touchdowns in New England’s 23-16 win against the Buffalo Bills in the final week of the regular season.

Earlier this offseason, the Patriots signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs (who also played college football at Tennessee) to serve as the primary backup to starter Drake Maye.

With Dobbs in the mix, the feeling is that New England could look to trade Milton for a mid-round draft pick. The Dallas Cowboysare one franchise that’s reportedly interested in acquiring Milton.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, however, the Patriots aren’t currently considering trading Milton.

From ESPN: Quarterback Joe Milton III and his strong performance in a season-ending win over the Buffalo Bills (who were playing mostly backups) has piqued the interest of some teams around the NFL, but not to the point that the Patriots would consider trading him right now, per sources familiar with the situation.

If a team offers the Patriots something like a third round pick for Milton, then New England might be inclined to pull the trigger on a deal. But for now, it appears that the Patriots aren’t actively trying to trade Milton, despite the presence of Dobbs on the roster.

Of course, that could all change with one phone call from a quarterback-needy NFL franchise.