The New England Patriots have had a busy offseason. They spent big in the first wave of free agency, and one move could hint at a potential trade incoming.
Patriots sixth-round pick Joe Milton showed his talent during week 18 of the regular season. He threw for 241 yards and a touchdown. He had a 111.4 passer rating. However, the Patriots signed Joshua Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million deal in free agency. NBC Sports' Patriots insider Tom E. Curran noted that trading Milton is "in play."
"While Brissett was a bridge/stopgap starter, Dobbs is more of a spot-starter with no illusions that a team is going to hand him the keys and say, “You’re our guy…” Dobbs has started 15 games for four different teams since 2022," wrote Curran. "He’s 3-12 in those starts but he’s a highly-trusted guy who can innovate when necessary. The Patriots flipping second-year backup Joe Milton for a draft pick remains in play."
Milton's performance in week 18, combined with Drake Maye cementing himself as the starter, made him a candidate to be traded anyway. Adding Dobbs allows the Patriots to trade Milton and feel comfortable if Maye gets hurt.
Dobbs has 3,281 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. He made one start for the San Francisco 49ers last season and finished the season with two touchdown passes and 361 yards. Milton could get the Patriots a late-round pick just one year after being picked in the sixth round.
