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Rocket-Armed Passer Could Be Dark Horse QB for Steelers
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- Rocket-Armed Passer Could Be Dark Horse QB for Steelers
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton IIII at the 2024 Senior Bowl. -- Alan Saunders / Steelers Now
Based on his stature, explosive arm, and mobility, Joe Milton makes for an interesting option at quarterback. If the reports are true that new head coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots might be willing to shop him, he could be a dark horse option behind center for the Pittsburgh Steelers .
Milton was stuck behind fellow rookie Drake Maye on New England 's depth chart last season and almost certainly would be this one, too. The Patriots took Milton, a Tennesse product, in the sixth round last year after taking Maye No. 3 overall.
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"I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Joe Milton … for at least another season, but there's increasing belief around the NFL that the Patriots are at least contemplating a trade of Milton this offseason," Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal said. "Again, I'm not saying he's on the block right now, but the Patriots will likely consider it when everything settles with the front office and coaching staff."
As it stands, the Steelers have an unclear situation at Milton's position.
Why Would the Steelers Be Intrigued by Milton?
Milton stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 246 pounds. A 23-16 upset win over the division-rival Buffalo Bills in the team's regular-season finale was his only start. Milton went 22 for 29 for 241 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for another score, as well.
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Milton's throw power prompts hyperbole. Alex Barth, of Boston's 98.5: The Sports Hu,b detailed the passer's exceptional skill after he was drafted last spring.
"Milton's highlight reel is full of throws that simply don't make sense," Barth wrote. "Off platform, off his back foot, zipping the ball 50-plus yards. Those kinds of throws, and his willingness to chuck the ball deep, have earned … the nickname 'Bazooka Joe.'"
The Steelers could even bring Milton in as competition for Justin Fields if the latter re-signs in Pittsburgh.
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