Full Breakdown
Joe Milton III Reflects on Disrespect During Tenure with the New England Patriots
2/4/2026, 8:58:43 PM
Discontent in New England
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his brief tenure at the New England Patriots, stating he felt "disrespected" by the organization, particularly under then-head coach Jerod Mayo. Speaking on WEEI Radio, Milton highlighted his frustration over being overlooked on the depth chart, especially after Drake Maye was promoted to starter over Jacoby Brissett. Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, believed his performance in practice warranted a higher position on the team.
Milton's remarks indicate a significant disconnect between his expectations and the team's decisions. He noted, “When you move Drake up to start, what should Jacoby now do? He got his job took, right? But you don’t do that. You keep him at the (No. 2) because he’s a vet when he’s not taking reps.” This situation left Milton feeling sidelined, as he and Maye were the only quarterbacks actively practicing.
Performance and Trade to Dallas
During his time with the Patriots, Milton had limited opportunities, appearing in only one game where he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. Despite this performance, he remained the emergency third quarterback for most of the season. Following the Patriots' disappointing 4-13 record in 2024, the team made a coaching change, hiring Mike Vrabel, and subsequently traded Milton to the Cowboys in April 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick.
Milton's trade request stemmed from his desire for a fresh start, as he felt he had not improved during his time in New England. He stated, “I went through 16 games and I can count on my hand how many reps I got. So I feel like I didn’t get better.” His move to Dallas placed him behind established quarterback Dak Prescott, where he again faced competition for playing time.
Official Statements & Responses
Milton's comments reflect a broader sentiment of frustration among players who feel undervalued in their roles. He acknowledged that while the Patriots aimed to support his development, he wanted a more substantial opportunity to compete for the starting position. The Patriots, now on the verge of a seventh Super Bowl title with Maye leading the team, appear to have no regrets about their decision to prioritize Maye over Milton.
Criticism & Opposition
Some reports have suggested that Milton's demeanor contributed to his trade, with NFL insider Greg Bedard describing him as “not a good dude.” This perspective adds a layer of complexity to Milton's narrative, indicating that his frustrations may not have been solely about playing time but also about his overall fit within the team's culture.
What's Next for Milton
As Milton continues his career with the Cowboys, his role remains uncertain. He has appeared in four games, completing 62.5% of his passes for 183 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. With the Cowboys signing Will Grier for depth, Milton will face competition for the backup quarterback position as he seeks to establish himself in a new environment.
