The New England Patriots’ Mistake: Trading Former Tennessee QB Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys is Already Backfiring.
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, few decisions carry as much weight as a quarterback trade. The quarterback position is undeniably the most crucial in the sport, and when a team decides to part ways with a young quarterback who has shown potential, it’s a move that is bound to raise eyebrows. The New England Patriots, historically a franchise with a keen eye for talent, made a bold decision when they traded former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys. Fast forward to today, and that decision is already showing signs of being a mistake, with the potential for serious consequences down the line.
Joe Milton, who began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee, was considered one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in college football. His combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism made him an immediate threat on the field, and his potential was undeniable. After transferring to Tennessee, Milton showcased significant flashes of brilliance, including a strong arm and the ability to make impressive throws deep down the field. His physical attributes were enough to generate buzz, even though questions remained about his consistency and ability to control the offense.
The Patriots’ decision to trade Milton to the Cowboys raised questions from the very beginning. While the trade was motivated by several factors, including the Patriots’ own depth at the quarterback position, it seems that the organization may have overlooked Milton’s long-term potential and his ability to develop into a solid NFL quarterback. As time has passed, it’s become increasingly clear that the Patriots might have made a mistake by letting Milton go — and it’s a mistake that could have long-term consequences for their quarterback future.
Milton’s Rise at Tennessee: An NFL-Caliber Talent
Before the trade, Joe Milton’s college career had been filled with highs and lows, but his talent was never in question. After transferring from Michigan to Tennessee, Milton’s skill set was put on full display. While Tennessee’s offensive system at the time wasn’t tailored perfectly to his strengths, he still managed to show off his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make deep throws. His physical traits — a rocket arm, an impressive build at 6’5” and 244 pounds, and an innate ability to stretch the field — were all eye-popping.
Milton’s time at Tennessee wasn’t without its challenges. Inconsistency and a lack of touch on shorter throws were the primary criticisms of his game. However, he also showed flashes of brilliance, leading some analysts to believe that with the right coaching and development, he could become a dynamic player at the next level. The Tennessee Volunteers saw him as a potential game-changer, and when he did get the chance to start, he made plays that left fans and scouts alike in awe.
One of the most notable games for Milton was against Vanderbilt in the 2021 season, where he threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, leading Tennessee to a dominant victory. His deep throws were a thing of beauty, showcasing a level of arm strength that few quarterbacks could match. This performance had many analysts believing that with the right environment, Milton could take that next step into the NFL and become a starting quarterback for an NFL franchise.
The Patriots’ Quarterback Situation: A Decision to Trade Milton
The decision to trade Milton came at a time when the New England Patriots were attempting to solidify their quarterback situation after Tom Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots had already invested in Mac Jones as their future quarterback, and the addition of veterans like Brian Hoyer provided some stability in the quarterback room. However, the Patriots were still in the midst of a rebuilding phase and looking for the right balance at the position.
The team’s decision to trade Milton to the Dallas Cowboys was likely influenced by several factors. First, Milton’s inconsistency at Tennessee made some question whether he would be able to develop into an NFL starter. Additionally, the Patriots were already deep at quarterback, with Jones firmly entrenched as the starter and the team opting for veterans like Hoyer to provide backup experience. On paper, it seemed like Milton, despite his potential, was expendable. But the reality was that the Patriots overlooked Milton’s ceiling and the possibility of his future growth, something that is now evident.
Milton’s trade to Dallas, however, is starting to look like a major misstep for the Patriots. The Cowboys’ coaching staff recognized the potential that Milton had, and they were willing to take a chance on developing him. That decision is already paying dividends as the Cowboys look to build around their young quarterback.
Why the Trade to the Cowboys is Already Backfiring
Since Milton’s arrival in Dallas, the quarterback has flourished in a way that has left many questioning why the Patriots would ever consider parting ways with such an exciting prospect. Although he has yet to be named the starting quarterback, Milton’s performance in training camp and preseason games has been enough to show that the Cowboys made a smart move. His cannon arm and athleticism have made him an immediate fit for Dallas’ offense, and it’s clear that they are investing in his development.
Milton’s success with the Cowboys has made it clear that the Patriots’ decision to trade him away was premature. While Mac Jones has shown flashes of promise as a starting quarterback, there have been questions about his long-term potential, especially given his struggles during the 2022 season. Jones has failed to consistently perform at an elite level, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that his future as the face of the franchise is uncertain. By trading Milton, the Patriots have lost the potential to develop a quarterback who could have been the future of the franchise.
On the other hand, Dallas, with its deep offensive talent and solid coaching staff, has given Milton an environment in which he can truly thrive. The Cowboys already have one of the league’s best offensive lines and weapons in the receiving game, including CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. With this support system in place, Milton’s development has been expedited, and the Cowboys’ faith in him appears to be well-placed. If Milton continues to improve, he could eventually become a valuable asset for the Cowboys, potentially leading them to future playoff success.
The Patriots, on the other hand, find themselves without a backup plan should Mac Jones falter. While Jones has been the team’s starting quarterback since his rookie year, the lack of consistent development from him is beginning to raise alarms. The Patriots’ depth chart now lacks a young quarterback with the potential to take over the reins in the future, a glaring issue considering the uncertainty surrounding Jones’ trajectory.
The Long-Term Impact of the Trade
The long-term impact of the trade will not only affect the Patriots in terms of their quarterback situation but could also impact their ability to compete in the AFC East moving forward. The Bills and Dolphins are already strong contenders in the division, and with the Patriots’ quarterback position in flux, they risk falling behind in the arms race. Had they kept Milton, they might have had the quarterback of the future in place to lead them back to the top of the division in years to come.
Furthermore, the trade of Milton could have ramifications for the team’s culture and decision-making processes. The Patriots have long been considered one of the most well-run franchises in the NFL, but the trade of a young, highly talented quarterback has raised questions about their ability to evaluate talent effectively. If Milton reaches his full potential with the Cowboys and becomes a future star, it will reflect poorly on the Patriots’ ability to recognize and nurture talent, particularly at the most important position in football.
As the Cowboys continue to build around Milton, the Patriots may have to live with the consequences of their decision. Had they been more patient with Milton, invested in his development, and provided him the right coaching and opportunity, they could have seen a major return on their investment. Instead, they find themselves looking at a future with an uncertain quarterback situation and no young player with the same upside that Milton has shown in Dallas.
In hindsight, the New England Patriots’ decision to trade Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys is already proving to be a mistake. While the Patriots may have had good reason to move him at the time, they ultimately failed to see the potential in a quarterback who, given the right development, could have been the future face of their franchise. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, with their coaching staff and offensive weapons, have already shown that they made a wise decision in acquiring Milton.
The trade could have lasting consequences for the Patriots’ future, as they now find themselves in a position where they lack a young, talented quarterback with the potential to lead the team into the next era. If Milton reaches his potential with the Cowboys and becomes a star, it will only highlight the Patriots’ mistake in letting him go, and the ramifications could be felt for years to come.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, mistakes like this can be costly. The Patriots are a franchise that has historically been known for its success, but in this instance, their decision to part ways with Joe Milton may prove to be one of their biggest blunders.
