Patriots Rumors: Update On Activity Of Joe Milton III Trade Talks

A pair of top NFL insiders might be going at it again over a New England Patriots quarterback.

Fans speculated about Joe Milton III’s future when the Patriots reportedly agreed to a deal with Joshua Dobbs. The veteran quarterback likely slots in as the backup quarterback, which would put Milton on the practice squad for another season.

That’s why it seemed to make sense when FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported Monday that the Patriots “have had discussions on trading” Milton. That followed in line with a report from the Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard when he said that New England had been “toying with the idea” of trading the Tennesee product.

However, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport slowed down the trade train Tuesday.

“I will say, I have not heard any traction about a Joe Milton trade,” Rapoport said on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “I haven’t. I’ve asked, plenty. I’ve not heard any traction.”

It should first be pointed out that Rapoport and Schultz had their hands on this story this week. The pair of NFL insiders got into a heated exchange at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine this month over a Tom Brady-Matthew Stafford story.

Rapoport’s comments don’t necessarily contradict Schultz’s report. New England’s discussions about trading Milton might just be internal, and the FOX Sports insider didn’t outright say the Patriots would trade the 2024 sixth-round pick. But it was an interesting sight to see Rapoport slow the brakes down on the idea.

The NFL Media reporter added that the Patriots might be hesitant to trade away Milton on the off chance he might actually need to play in an emergency situation. He did, however, acknowledge that Milton could fetch New England a decent return, considering his value.

Things always can change in the NFL, but the Rapoport and Schultz beef might persist thanks to the Patriots and Milton.