Joe Milton III continues to remain a point of contention among Patriots fans.
After the now-second-year quarterback dazzled in New England’s regular season finale last year, attention was widespread. He had gone 22-for-29 in the air for 241 yards in the win over Buffalo, firmly putting himself on the radar after getting selected in the sixth round months earlier.
The Patriots would ultimately send him and a seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in a deal that perplexed some observers. For all the attention that surrounded Milton, he only netted New England fifth-rounder in return.
Ultimately, though, the floor is much higher on Drake Maye, and he was always the obvious future for the Patriots.
Milton got the start for the Cowboys in their preseason opener Saturday against the Rams, and his showing wasn’t quite as stellar.
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The 25-year-old completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, throwing one interception and one touchdown. He added five carries for 22 yards.
In an appearance on [WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show](https://x.com/TheGregHillShow/status/1954857495324709157), Vrabel — who didn’t coach Milton last season — was asked about the decision to move on from him and bring in Josh Dobbs.
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“Just another coach’s decision,” Vrabel said. “Felt like this is what was best for our team. Trying to do what’s best for the team.”
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Doing Bill Belichick proud with that answer.
If all goes well for the Patriots, it won’t matter who is backing up Maye. But until Milton fizzles or Maye breaks out into full-fledged stardom, you can count on a faction of the fanbase lamenting the Milton deal.
Featured image via Kirby Lee/Imagn Images