Even after adding Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to the quarterback room, the New York Giants still don’t have a long-term answer under center. The 2025 NFL Draft is around the corner, sure—but it’s not a great quarterback class, and there’s no guarantee someone worth getting excited about will be there at No. 3 or even in the second or third rounds.
That’s why a young, toolsy quarterback like Joe Milton III made a lot of sense. The New England Patriots were clearly open to moving him, and the Giants were reportedly one of the teams who reached out. He’s raw, yes—but at least there’s upside. At least there’s intrigue. And most importantly, he’s not 35 years old and riding the “please let me start one more year” train.
Well, that dream died fast. Milton was traded to the Dallas Cowboys of all teams—despite better offers on the table.
According to Jordan Schultz: “The #Patriots had a better offer for Milton but chose to send him where he wanted out of respect for him, per source.”
Giants definitely had a better offer than the Cowboys and the Pats blew it
If we’re reading between the lines (and we absolutely are), the Giants were probably one of the teams with the “better offer.” They had the picks. They had the need. They were one of the handful of teams listed by Schultz. It all adds up.
But instead of taking the stronger deal, the Patriots went the sentimental route. Out of “respect.” Awesome time for the New England Patriots of all teams to suddenly decide to grow a conscience.
Milton only started one game in New England, but he made it count. In a Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills’ backups, he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing score. It wasn’t a jaw-dropping performance, but it showed poise, mobility, and just enough upside to spark some intrigue.
Even worse, the trade helps the Cowboys shore up their backup behind Dak Prescott. A nice little lose-lose for the Giants—and they weren’t even involved.
So look, good for Milton. Genuinely. But this stings for New York. The Giants had a chance to bring in a young quarterback with real tools—without burning a top-three pick or reaching in an underwhelming draft class. Now they’ve kicked the can down the road, which is a bummer because they could be right back here next year.
Milton wasn’t a guaranteed hit. He might not even be good. But at least he was interesting. At least there was a chance. And now he’s off to Dallas because the Patriots suddenly grew a heart. It really is a post-Belichick era. Now you want to be the good guys. Nice.