Insider Tony Grossi revealed what it will take the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck waiting on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on where he wants to play in 2025, they could begin to weigh other options, including New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton. But what would it take to land the 25-year-old?
According to insider Tony Grossi, the Patriots are expected to be asking for a third-round pick in exchange for Milton.
"One drawback would be the cost. Sources closer to the situation than me expect the asking price of the Patriots to be a third-round pick," Grossi writes . "I'm not sure I'd make that deal, but I would definitely inquire to see if some conditions could be negotiated to make the deal more equitable. What about a fourth-round pick in 2026 that improves to a third if Milton plays a certain percentage of offensive snaps? He's an intriguing talent, but far from a developed product."
A third-round pick is a steep asking price for Milton, who was just a sixth-round pick (No. 193 overall) a year ago.
Milton did impress in his limited action, completing 22 of 29 passes (75.9%) for 241 yards and a touchdown as the team's starter in Week 18. He also had a 10-yard rushing touchdown.
However, asking for a draft pick three rounds higher than where Milton was drafted based off one performance does seem far-fetched.
Yes, Milton has the tools to have success at the next level. The 6-foot-5, 246-pound quarterback put his rocket arm on display during the pre-draft process.
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton IIII at the 2024 Senior Bowl. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now
Milton also ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash and posted a 35-inch vertical and 10-foot-1 broad jump in pre-draft testing. According to RAS , his most similar athletic comparison at the quarterback position is Cam Newton .
But giving up a third-round pick just seems out of the cards for a team like the Steelers, who already traded their 2025 second-round pick for wide receiver DK Metcalf last week.
Milton would be an intriguing option for the Steelers, who value quarterback mobility, but the Patriots are going to have to come down on their asking price if Pittsburgh hopes to land the second-year quarterback.
Milton struggled with accuracy issues in college, completing just 61.6% of his passes. But he showed the ability to improve and take coaching in New England as a rookie.
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