Even after showing promise in his sole NFL appearance, quarterback Joe Milton is no longer included in the New England Patriots' future. The team's unexpected move to trade their 2024 sixth-round selection came just days after a noteworthy performance in the regular-season finale, leaving fans and analysts questioning.

Milton, who remains under contract for another three years on a rookie deal, was seen by some as a developmental player deserving of retention. New England has other ideas, though, but what pushed the team to trade the rookie?

Steering Clear of Another Quarterback Scandal

NFL Trade Rumors: Did New England Patriots Move Joel Milton NFL Trade Rumors: Did New England Patriots Move Joel Milton
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Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal, as relayed by CBS Sports' Bill Jones, reported that the Patriots did not want to relive past quarterback drama. The Patriots specifically wanted to repeat their terrible mistake of combining Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe in the locker room. The off-field drama only worsened for years.

Milton believes that he will eventually become an NFL starter, and as much as that desire is to be admired, it allegedly raised internal flags. The Patriots immediately noticed that having Milton and Maye share a roster could create internal conflict, particularly if Maye underperforms in the early years of his career.

Milton's confidence and conviction as a starter might have been the catalyst for future quarterback controversies—something New England obviously wants to do as they prioritize unleashing Drake Maye's potential.

Joe Milton Wasn't a Mike Vrabel Pick

Another major reason Milton left is that he wasn't chosen by the new head coach, Mike Vrabel. Although Eliot Wolf still heads the Patriots' front office and technically drafted Milton, Giardi implies Vrabel now has actual power in building the team.

Drake Maye wasn't Vrabel's choice either, but he was a top three draft choice and the franchise's future. Trading Milton was a statement: Maye is the man, and the team doesn't want to have a quarterback controversy in 2025 and beyond.

Milton's Impressive Debut Wasn't Enough

Milton's sole Patriots appearance was in the 2024 season finale. He went 22-for-29 for 241 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for a score, assisting in one of the team's few victories that year.

Ironically, that win might have damaged New England's draft standing, adding another twist to Milton's story.

Nevertheless, the front office decided to move quickly. The Patriots signed veteran Josh Dobbs as an obvious backup to Maye and traded Milton to the Dallas Cowboys for a small return: the chance to jump up 46 spots late in the draft.

Joe Milton Will Shine on His Own in Dallas

In Dallas, Milton will be behind franchise QB Dak Prescott, who is solidified as the starter due to his play and contract, according to Pro Football Rumors. But with Prescott's injury history and age, Milton may have a better chance at playing time in Texas than he ever would have had in New England.

While the transfer was sudden, it was finally a strategic decision for both parties. The Patriots sidestep controversy and establish around Maye, while Milton receives a fresh beginning on a team that will potentially need him down the road.