Joe Milton Reveals When He Knew He Wanted To Leave Patriots: ‘Had My Mind Made Up’

Say what you want about Joe Milton III, but you have to give him credit for being transparent.

The former Patriots quarterback, who was traded to the Cowboys last offseason, made the media rounds this week ahead of Super Bowl LX. Milton generated headlines by saying he felt “disrespected” by Jerod Mayo, and also opened up on his relationship with Drake Maye.

Multiple rumors indicate Milton, who starred against Buffalo in the 2024 season finale, requested a trade away from New England so he could compete for a starting role. During Wednesday’s episode of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz” show, Milton was asked whether the Patriots’ hiring of Mike Vrabel made him reconsider his trade request.

“I wouldn’t say the coaching staff had an effect on what my decision was,” Milton said. “I already had my mind made up after the Bills game … that I wanted a better opportunity for myself.

” … I just wanted a better opportunity for myself. I feel like, if I would’ve stayed there this year, I would’ve still been on the bench. I would’ve still been playing behind Drake. My opportunities would’ve been very limited.”

Milton also was asked to confirm whether he requested a trade.

“Somewhat,” he said. “I let my agents do that. But yeah, somewhat.”

Milton noted that while he also backs up a star quarterback in Dallas, he has a better path toward starting given Dak Prescott’s age (33 in July).

Milton appeared in four games for the Cowboys last season, completing 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards and one touchdown to go along with one interception.

Maye, on the other hand, authored an MVP-caliber season and led the Patriots to a spot in Super Bowl LX. They’ll face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.