Joe Milton III Trade to Chicago Bears? Examining the Rumors and Reality
Recent reports have suggested that New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III has been traded to the Chicago Bears in a five-year, $115.4 million deal. However, as of now, no official confirmation from the Patriots, Bears, or reputable sports media outlets has verified this claim. Let’s take a closer look at the facts surrounding Joe Milton III, his potential trade value, and the likelihood of such a move occurring.
Joe Milton III’s Journey with the Patriots
Joe Milton III, a strong-armed quarterback out of Tennessee, was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Although initially projected to be a developmental quarterback, Milton showcased his talent in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, threw one touchdown, and ran for another. This performance turned heads, leading to speculation about his potential as a starting-caliber quarterback.
Despite his promising play, the Patriots have been evaluating their quarterback situation. They currently hold the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a selection that could be used to draft a top quarterback prospect. If the Patriots decide to draft a new franchise quarterback, Milton’s future with the team could become uncertain, making a trade a plausible option.
Is the Trade Report Real?
While the claim of a completed trade between the Patriots and Bears has gained traction on social media, no credible sources such as ESPN, NFL Network, or CBS Sports have reported on the deal. Trades of this magnitude typically involve weeks of negotiations, public discussions, and official announcements from the teams involved. Without any confirmation from reliable sources, it is best to view these rumors with skepticism.
However, reports have surfaced suggesting that the Patriots may consider trading Milton for a draft pick. According to some analysts, he could fetch up to a third-round pick. Given the Patriots’ need for additional draft capital, especially if they plan to rebuild their roster, exploring trade offers for Milton is a logical possibility.
Would the Bears Be Interested?
The Chicago Bears have been actively reshaping their quarterback situation. They currently hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and are widely expected to select USC’s Caleb Williams, who is considered the top quarterback prospect. If the Bears are committed to drafting Williams, it would be unlikely that they would also pursue a major trade for Joe Milton III.
Additionally, if the reported contract figures of $115.4 million over five years were accurate, it would be a substantial investment for a quarterback with limited NFL experience. Teams are typically cautious with such financial commitments unless the player has proven himself as a long-term franchise quarterback.
Conclusion
At this point, there is no confirmed trade between the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears involving Joe Milton III. While it is possible that the Patriots could trade him for draft capital, the specifics of the rumored deal appear to be unverified. Fans should wait for official reports from the NFL and trusted media outlets before believing trade rumors.