ESPN clarifies the NFL trade speculations involving Joe Milton, the former quarterback for the Tennessee Vols.

The speculation surrounding Joe Milton III, a former quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, has been growing steadily, especially in the NFL’s trade markets. Once a promising college quarterback, Milton’s physical talents have long been admired, though his NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. After a solid career with Tennessee and a brief stint with the New England Patriots, the 2024 sixth-round draft pick has found himself at the center of various trade rumors. This article will delve deeply into the circumstances that have led to the current speculation about Milton’s trade prospects, the impact of his performances, and the NFL teams that could be in the mix to acquire him.

Joe Milton’s Journey to the NFL

Before we dive into the trade speculations, it’s important to understand how Joe Milton got to this point. Milton’s college career began at Michigan, where he initially appeared to be a rising star. He played in 2019 as a freshman and showed off his impressive arm strength, but inconsistency led to his eventual transfer to Tennessee after his sophomore year.

At Tennessee, Milton’s arm strength became legendary. His ability to throw the ball deep with speed and precision made him a notable figure in college football. However, his accuracy and decision-making often came into question. Despite these flaws, Milton showed flashes of brilliance, which kept NFL scouts intrigued.

After a few seasons with the Volunteers, Milton declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. While many analysts were unsure about where he would land due to his erratic performances in college, there was no doubt about his raw potential. His physical gifts — an incredible arm and athleticism — stood out, and these qualities made him an intriguing prospect for teams willing to take a chance on his upside.

The New England Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, acknowledging his potential while accepting the risks that came with his inexperience. Milton’s selection by the Patriots was seen as an effort to develop a backup quarterback with considerable upside, as starter Drake Maye was expected to lead the offense in the near term.

The NFL Debut and Trade Speculations

Milton’s path to the Patriots roster seemed clear, but a breakthrough performance in the Patriots’ 2024 season finale against the Buffalo Bills has changed the trajectory of his career. Milton was called upon to replace Maye, who was dealing with injury issues, and he delivered an impressive performance. Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, displaying poise and accuracy under pressure. His most impressive moment came when he ran for a touchdown, showing his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. This solid performance in an important game grabbed the attention of NFL teams and analysts.

Following the game, reports surfaced suggesting that the Patriots had received numerous inquiries from other teams interested in acquiring Milton. Teams were intrigued by his raw talent and physical attributes, and his performance against the Bills only solidified his standing as a potential future starter in the league. ESPN was one of the first to pick up on these developments, with analysts noting that the Patriots, despite being high on Milton’s future, were listening to trade offers.

What Does the Patriots’ Trade Decision Mean for Joe Milton?

Trade speculation involving a young player like Milton is not unusual, but in this case, there are several unique dynamics at play. The Patriots, under head coach Bill Belichick, are known for their strict approach to roster management and their willingness to trade players for the right price. It is not surprising that they would entertain offers for Milton, particularly given that the Patriots are in a period of transition and may be looking to optimize their roster with an eye toward the future.

For Milton, the trade rumors present both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, a trade could send him to a team that views him as their future starting quarterback. On the other hand, it could disrupt his development, as the next team may have a different plan for him than the Patriots. The situation could turn into a classic case of a player finding success with a new system or facing the consequences of being caught in a trade that doesn’t fit his skill set.

Reports indicate that the Patriots are seeking a third-round pick for Milton, which suggests that the organization views him as having significant long-term value. The asking price reflects the belief that Milton’s physical tools could eventually translate into NFL success, even if his college performance was marred by inconsistency. A third-round pick is a steep price for a quarterback with limited professional experience, but it shows the high expectations that the Patriots have for Milton’s future.

Teams Interested in Trading for Joe Milton

With trade rumors swirling, several NFL teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for Milton’s services. These teams are all in different stages of quarterback development, but each sees the potential in Milton’s skill set. Below are some of the leading contenders who have shown interest in acquiring the former Tennessee quarterback:

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are one of the teams that have expressed interest in Milton. Geno Smith, the Seahawks’ current starting quarterback, is entering the final year of his contract. While Smith has had some solid seasons with Seattle, the team is looking ahead to the future, and Milton could be a long-term solution at the position. Seattle has always been willing to develop quarterbacks, and Milton’s raw tools could make him a fit in their system. Adding a young and talented quarterback like Milton would give the Seahawks a potential future leader to build around.

New York Jets

The New York Jets are another team that has reportedly inquired about Milton. Although Aaron Rodgers has provided stability at quarterback for the Jets, his age and injury history make his long-term future uncertain. The Jets are clearly in win-now mode, but they are also considering the future of the position. Milton could be an ideal developmental prospect to sit behind Rodgers and eventually take over the starting role. The Jets have a solid roster and could afford to be patient with Milton while he refines his skills.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders, after years of inconsistent quarterback play, are also thought to be in the market for a new signal-caller. While Jimmy Garoppolo is currently the starter, his future with the Raiders is uncertain, especially considering his injury history. Milton could be viewed as a backup with starter potential, giving the Raiders a possible solution if they decide to move on from Garoppolo in the future. The Raiders’ front office has shown a willingness to take risks on quarterbacks with unrefined skills, and Milton fits that mold.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are another team that could be interested in Milton. Deshaun Watson’s performance has been inconsistent since joining the Browns, and the team has not yet seen the full return on their investment. While the Browns are still committed to Watson as their starter, there are questions about his long-term viability. Milton could serve as an option for the Browns, either as a backup to push Watson for the starting role or as a developmental project. A trade for Milton could be a low-risk move that pays off if Watson’s struggles continue.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are in a similar situation to the Browns, with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his career. Stafford has been a stalwart for the Rams, but the team knows that they need to start planning for the future. Milton could be a developmental prospect who learns under Stafford’s tutelage before taking over the starting role in a few seasons. The Rams have one of the best offensive minds in the NFL in Sean McVay, and Milton could thrive in McVay’s system, where quarterbacks are often given the opportunity to grow.

ESPN’s Coverage of Joe Milton’s Trade Speculations

ESPN’s coverage of the Joe Milton trade rumors has been a crucial part of the story. As one of the most respected sports networks, ESPN has provided in-depth analysis and insights into Milton’s situation. The network has highlighted the potential upside that Milton offers, especially considering his physical tools and the potential for him to develop into a starting quarterback in the NFL.

ESPN’s analysts have also pointed out that while Milton’s performance against the Buffalo Bills was impressive, it’s still too early to make any definitive judgments about his future in the league. The Patriots are known for their patient approach to player development, so it’s likely that they will take their time in making any decisions about Milton’s trade value. However, the fact that the Patriots are entertaining offers for him shows that they are keeping an open mind about the possibilities.

Joe Milton’s NFL journey has taken some unexpected turns, from his time at Michigan to his standout career at Tennessee, followed by a promising debut for the New England Patriots. Now, with trade rumors swirling around him, Milton finds himself at the center of an intriguing situation. NFL teams have shown interest in his raw talent, and the Patriots have set a high asking price for his potential. As the trade market heats up, Milton’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he has the physical gifts to succeed at the highest level if given the right opportunity. Whether he stays with the Patriots or is traded to another team, Milton’s story is just beginning. The next few months will be critical in determining whether he can fulfill his potential and become the quarterback that many believe he can be.