Done Deal!! Eagles Shut Down Trade Talks for 26-TD AFC East QB. The Philadelphia Eagles addressed their backup quarterback situation by trading former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, reports suggest that the Eagles had their eyes on a different signal-caller.
According to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Eagles were among several teams interested in acquiring New England Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton before he was ultimately traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
“My understanding is since Joe Milton became available at the start of the offseason, teams that showed interest included the Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Steelers, and the Cowboys,” Schultz posted on his X account. “The Patriots had a better offer for Milton but chose to send him where he wanted out of respect for him, per source.”
Milton was sent to Dallas along with a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Milton’s Unique Place in NFL History
Milton made a name for himself in his lone career start when he led the Patriots to a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the regular season finale. While the Bills rested many of their starters, Milton delivered a strong performance, completing 22-of-29 passes for 257 total yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Though the game had no playoff implications, it had a significant impact on the 2025 NFL Draft. The Patriots, who entered the game at 4-13, initially held the No. 1 overall pick. A loss would have secured that spot, but instead, Milton’s performance, combined with head coach Jerod Mayo coaching his final game, led New England to a win. As a result, the Tennessee Titans jumped to the top of the draft order, while the Patriots slid to the fourth pick.
Milton, standing at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds, was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round (No. 193 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He had only one full season as a starter during his six years at Michigan and Tennessee. In his final collegiate season in 2023, he threw for 2,769 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while adding 292 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Eagles’ Draft Capital and Backup QB Depth
Philadelphia’s interest in Milton aligns with their aggressive approach to roster building, especially considering their stockpile of future draft picks. The Eagles currently hold 20 total selections across the 2025 and 2026 drafts—eight in 2025 and 12 in 2026—all within the first five rounds.
Despite missing out on Milton, the Eagles still have solid depth at quarterback behind Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. Third-year QB Tanner McKee, much like Milton, made his first career start in the 2024 season finale. With Hurts and Pickett sidelined, McKee impressed by throwing for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 20-13 victory over the New York Giants.
As for their newly acquired quarterback, Thompson-Robinson struggled in his limited opportunities with the Browns. Over five starts in the past two seasons, he posted a 1-4 record, throwing for 880 yards, one touchdown, and 10 interceptions while completing just 52.6% of his passes. However, he showcased his athleticism with 35 carries for 187 rushing yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
While the Eagles may have missed out on Milton, they remain well-positioned for the future, both at quarterback and in terms of draft capital.
