Most of the first day of the legal tampering period has been spent (literally) on adding top quality defensive players to the roster, a move that was expected for the Patriots under Mike Vrabel. Despite the offense being considered the weaker group, the defense has underperformed for a few years and has needed massive improvements, and so far, the new regime has accomplished that.
Because of that, there is now more focus on the offensive side of the ball, with just TE Austin Hooper and RT Morgan Moses being the only signings to help Drake Maye this fall.
But that just changed, as the Patriots have no signed their veteran backup quarterback in Joshua Dobbs. This implies that Jacoby Brissett will not be returning for another season, while also putting Joe Milton III's future in doubt.
The #Patriots add a backup QB. https://t.co/dWGUZiTlJx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025
Joe Milton III could be on his way out of New England after the Patriots sign Joshua Dobbs to a 2-year contract
The second-year quarterback has already been speculated as a top trade target this offseason, especially in a low quarterback draft class. The Patriots could try to send him to a quarterback needy team for some solid draft capital and it looks like that may be happening in the near future.
With little quarterback movement on Monday, teams could inquire about Milton's availability and there's no reason for the Patriots not to engage. If they can get a decent return while also providing Milton with a starting opportunity in the league, it seems like a win/win situation for everyone.
He was drafted by the team last year in the sixth round, much later than many anticipated. His performance against the Bills in the Patriots' Week 18 win put him on teams' radar, prompting the trade conversation among fans and reporters.
If Vrabel and Co. are good with supporting Maye with Dobbs and maybe another rookie quarterback, they could be inclined to move on from Milton soon. If not, he's not a bad player to keep in the quarterback room, and he may trade later down the line.
His future might depend on what teams will offer to acquire him, and we don't know yet how many (if any) have called New England about getting a deal done.