Drake Maye Reacts to Patriots Trading Joe Milton—And His Words Might Surprise You

When the New England Patriots traded Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason, fans were left with questions—and so was Drake Maye, Milton’s fellow 2024 draft classmate. Now that offseason workouts are underway, Maye is finally speaking out about the move, offering insight that surprised many with its maturity and emotion.

“We came in together. We learned the offense together. We were competing every day to see who could out-throw each other,” Maye said during OTAs. “Obviously, he’s got a big arm. It was cool for him to go get a chance to go and be a backup. I think you saw in the Bills game his potential.”

Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, showed flashes of brilliance during a late-season game against the Buffalo Bills. While he wasn’t expected to start long-term in New England, that game turned heads—and eventually earned him a fresh opportunity in Dallas. The Patriots traded Milton for a fifth-round pick, clearing the path for Maye to take command of the quarterback room.

Maye, selected third overall, is widely seen as the future face of the franchise. But his comments make it clear that the competition with Milton was more than a rivalry—it was a friendship built on mutual respect. “Joe was always pushing me. He made me better,” Maye said.

The two rookies built a tight bond, and even though the NFL is a business, Maye hasn’t forgotten the human side. “I texted him right after the trade. Told him I was proud of him. It’s a business, but it’s also a brotherhood,” he added.

As Maye prepares for what could be his first season as a starting NFL quarterback, his calm, thoughtful demeanor is already earning praise in Foxborough. For Patriots fans, his leadership may be just as important as his arm.

“I’ll always root for Joe,” Maye finished. “Unless we’re playing them, of course.”

With words like that, Maye isn’t just showing promise as a player—he’s showing what it means to lead.