A source within the New England Patriots organization reportedly described quarterback Joe Milton III as “not a good dude” following his recent trade to the Dallas Cowboys. The report came from Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal.
The Dallas Cowboys acquired Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots in an offseason trade. The deal sent Milton and a seventh-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round selection. The timing of the move, which happened weeks before the trade deadline, raised some questions.
Bedard stated he spoke with a source inside the Patriots who used the phrase “not a good dude” to characterize Milton. The source reportedly added context regarding Milton's presence in the team's quarterback room.
The source indicated the issue was not specifically related to rookie Drake Maye but concerned the overall dynamic of the room. They suggested that “Knowing your role, playing your role, being part of a harmonious quarterback room — that was going to be an issue."
Despite the internal characterization, Drake Maye has publicly spoken positively about Joe Milton III. Maye told reporters he texted Milton after the trade and expressed happiness for his former teammate securing a backup position in Dallas.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel commented on the trade after it occurred, stating the move was made because it was “best for the team.” New England reportedly accepted a lesser trade offer from Dallas, suggesting a desire to move Milton to a specific destination.The Patriots quarterback room saw changes following Milton's departure, including the addition of veteran Joshua Dobbs, who some believe was brought in partly to provide mentorship to Maye. Reports last season suggested Maye's family had concerns about how team decisions impacted the quarterback situation, including the choice to give Milton snaps in the final week of the season.
Despite this one characterization, Joe Milton III reportedly drew interest from multiple teams before the trade was finalized.
