The Real Story Behind Joe Milton’s Trade to the Cowboys — Why Tennessee Fans Should Be Skeptical
Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton made headlines this past week when he was traded from the New England Patriots to the Dallas Cowboys. Selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Milton now finds himself in a backup role behind veteran Dak Prescott in Dallas. While that might seem like a typical roster move, there’s a narrative developing around the trade that should raise some eyebrows — especially among fans of the Tennessee Volunteers who are familiar with Milton’s character and history.
The Patriots’ decision to move Milton came shortly after the franchise brought in another former Vol, Josh Dobbs. Dobbs, who’s entering his ninth NFL season, signed with New England to serve as a backup to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. New England head coach Mike Vrabel, who once coached Dobbs with the Tennessee Titans, likely played a role in that acquisition.
On the surface, it looks like the Patriots simply made a strategic choice by adding a veteran and moving on from a younger, less proven player. But a recent report suggests a different story.
Karen Guregian of MassLive.com offered insight into the situation, citing sources who claim Milton asked to be traded. According to the report, Milton felt that he wasn’t given a legitimate opportunity to compete with Maye for the starting quarterback position. He reportedly viewed himself as a capable starter and believed he could challenge Maye for the job. When it became clear he wouldn’t get that shot, he preferred to find a new team where he might have a fairer chance.
Here’s what MassLive.com wrote:
> “Based on intel gathered from sources during the week, Milton fancied himself a starter. He didn’t see himself being given a legitimate chance to compete with Drake Maye. He also believed he was good enough to give Maye a run, if not overtake him for the top job. If that chance didn’t exist, Milton preferred being elsewhere.”
The report frames the situation as if Milton pushed his way out of New England due to dissatisfaction with his role. While that may be plausible on the surface, anyone who followed Milton’s college career — particularly his time at Tennessee — might find that characterization hard to believe.
No one outside the Patriots’ organization truly knows what was said behind closed doors, so it’s impossible to completely dismiss the report. But judging by Milton’s behavior during his time as a Volunteer, this narrative seems a bit out of character.
Back in 2021, Milton started the season as Tennessee’s quarterback after winning the job in fall camp. However, he suffered an injury early in the year during a game against Pittsburgh. That injury opened the door for Hendon Hooker, who seized the opportunity and never looked back. Hooker went on to start 22 straight games for the Vols through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, only giving up the starting spot after tearing his ACL in a game against South Carolina late in the 2022 season.
Despite losing his starting role, Milton didn’t complain. He didn’t transfer. He didn’t show frustration publicly. Instead, he remained committed to the team and was often seen supporting Hooker visibly during games. His leadership and team-first mentality earned him widespread respect, not just from teammates and coaches, but also from fans.
Milton embraced his role as a backup, consistently preparing like a starter and maintaining a strong presence in the locker room. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel praised Milton’s approach in late 2022, saying:
> “Joe has been great all season long. I think it’s a unique story in today’s atmosphere inside of college football that someone that talented and successful ends up being the No. 2 guy and still sees value in staying. He trusted the staff to develop him. He believed his skill set fit the offense. He stayed the course because he wanted to grow mentally, emotionally, and fundamentally.”
Heupel also emphasized Milton’s maturity and professionalism, noting how rare it is for a player with Milton’s potential to accept a backup role without complaint. According to Heupel, Milton never stopped competing and prepared every day as if he were going to start. That kind of work ethic and selflessness is what made him a respected figure in the Tennessee locker room.
Considering all of that, the idea that Milton demanded a trade from New England because he felt entitled to a starting job seems inconsistent with his past behavior. While it’s possible his mindset has changed since turning pro — and, of course, NFL dynamics differ from college football — the evidence we have from his college years paints a picture of a mature, patient, and team-oriented player.
Ultimately, only Milton knows what really happened in New England. Perhaps he did want out due to a lack of opportunity. Or maybe the Patriots made a decision based on other internal considerations and this “starter mindset” narrative is being exaggerated. Either way, it’s important for Tennessee fans to approach this story with a critical eye.
Milton has already proven he can handle adversity with grace and maturity. Unless new, credible information emerges that contradicts everything we’ve seen from him before, it would be premature to assume he orchestrated his exit from New England out of frustration or entitlement.
As the NFL offseason continues and Milton gets acclimated in Dallas, it’ll be interesting to see how his professional career develops. If he carries the same mindset and leadership qualities that defined his time at Tennessee, he’ll have no problem carving out a successful role — even if it’s not as a day-one starter.
For now, Vols fans should remember the Milton they knew in Knoxville: a player who led with character, supported his teammates, and stayed committed, even when things didn’t go his way.
