The New Orleans Saints are heading into their fifth season without Drew Brees and are still searching for their next franchise quarterback. Despite investing in several veterans and drafting a couple of quarterbacks on day three of the draft, none have emerged as the long-term solution.
As it stands, the Saints are preparing for the 2025 season with Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener as their three quarterbacks. While they still have the draft to potentially select a top quarterback in the first or second round, they could also look into trading for a young QB already in the league.
One such quarterback is Joe Milton III of the New England Patriots, who is reportedly available for trade. Milton, selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 Draft, finds himself behind Drake Maye, who was drafted in the first round and has quickly established himself as New England’s franchise QB.
Milton saw limited action in 2024 but impressed with a strong performance in one game, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for another touchdown. His impressive 6-foot-5, 246-pound frame, combined with his athleticism and arm strength, has sparked interest in his potential.
However, the Patriots are high on Milton and value him as a backup in case Maye gets injured. As a result, they reportedly want a significant return if they decide to trade him. With quarterback-needy teams like the Saints in the mix, New England might be able to find a trade partner willing to meet their demands.
Ben Volin of The Boston Globe recently suggested that the Saints could be a strong candidate for a potential trade, as New Orleans continues to search for a long-term answer at quarterback.
“(The Saints) have Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci under contract, but none are the future of the franchise. Sitting with the No. 9 overall pick, the Saints may get shut out for the second year in a row from the top quarterbacks. It may be worth it to trade one of their three Day 2 picks — Nos. 40, 71, and 93 — for a low-risk, high-upside QB.”
Saints considered a team that should trade for Joe Milton III
A move for Joe Milton III would certainly stir excitement among Saints fans. While Milton’s potential as a full-time starter is still largely unknown, there’s a chance he could develop into a franchise quarterback—something that’s no longer a realistic expectation for Derek Carr.
With the reported asking price being a third-round pick, and New Orleans holding two third-round picks in the 2025 draft, the Saints could afford to take a gamble on Milton.
If the Saints are seriously considering this move, they may want to wait until after the draft to make their decision. Their strategy could depend on how they evaluate the 2025 quarterback class.
If they prefer prospects like Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, or Jalen Milroe over Milton, they could hold off and see if one of those quarterbacks falls to them. However, if those players are taken early, the Saints could then use one of their third-round picks during the draft to acquire Milton as an alternative.
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