Patriots QB Drake Maye could lose important teammate ahead of the 2025 NFL season

It’s a time of change for the New England Patriots, following the departure of Jerod Mayo and the timely arrival of Mike Vrabel as the team’s new coach. Looking ahead to the next NFL season, Drake Maye could find himself without an important teammate, according to the latest reports.

Joe Milton III, who last season was third in consideration behind Maye himself and the experienced Jacoby Brissett, could be leaving the franchise via trade, following several inquiries made about his situation.

The news was reported by MassLive journalist Mark Daniels, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shared the report indicating that many teams had inquired about the conditions for the former Tennessee Volunteers player.

“The Patriots have received multiple trade inquiries for Joe Milton III, according to multiple sources,” Daniels reported via @ByMarkDaniels.

Joe Milton III #19 of the New England Patriots walks to the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Last season, the former Vols player saw limited action, with his most notable performance coming in Week 18, where he played a key role in his team’s victory over the Bills. That afternoon, Milton III completed 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards, along with a passing touchdown. He also ran for 16 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

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Vrabel’s stance on Milton III’s situation

Just weeks into his role as the new head coach of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel is facing one of his first challenges with the team, as he assesses the situation of Joe Milton III, who could eventually be seeking a change of scenery through a trade.

During the NFL Annual Meetings, the former Titans coach was asked by the press about this situation, and he was clear and direct with his response.

“Yeah, I think Joe’s did everything that they asked him to do last year. Sounds like in conversations that he worked extremely hard, and that’s tough when you’re a quarterback,” Vrabel said. “Everybody wants to play. Everybody wants to be the starter, everybody and that’s great to have that attitude. And he was ready for his opportunity there late in the season, which I commend him on, just like I would any player that sat there and went through a long season, a difficult season, and then got the opportunity, went out, won a football game, played well, helped his team win.

“And then where that leads to, we’ll see as the draft approaches, or where Joe is on April 7 to start our offseason program. But you have to give Joe credit for being ready to go, going from the third quarterback to being able to win that football game and stay ready and stay hungry.”