Aside from the promise of Drake Maye, 2024 was a flop season for New England Patriots rookies.
Receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Jaheim Bell combined for 15 catches, 119 yards and two touchdowns.
Offensive linemen Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson offered inconsistent support.
Cornerback Marcellas Dial amounted to 12 tackles and one forced fumble.
But in Week 18, New England gave Joe Milton III, the 2024 sixth-round pick from Tennessee, an opportunity to reveal his potential against the Buffalo Bills.
Although he faced primarily second- and fourth-string players, Milton III showed flashes of promise. The 6-foot-5 capped the season off going 22-of-29 for 241 yards and stringing together a pair of scores in his professional debut.
With Maye locked in as the franchise starter and veteran Josh Dobbs signed for a two-year, $8 million deal, Milton III’s future with the team hangs in the balance.
“I think Joe did everything they asked him to do last year…” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “He worked extremely hard, and that’s tough when you’re a quarterback. Everybody wants to play … He was ready for his opportunity there late in the season, which I commend him on … Went out, won a football game, played well, helped his team win. … Where that leads to, we’ll see as the draft approaches or where Joe is on April 7th to start our offseason program.”
MassLive Patriots beat reporter Mark Daniels reported that Milton III is garnering interest around the league, but he likely wouldn’t be moved until the draft — and the Patriots wouldn’t be willing to give him away for nothing.