There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the reason behind the New England Patriots trading Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys. However, the latest report by Mass Live's Karen Guregian suggested the second-year quarterback "fancied himself a starter."
The Patriots traded Milton and a seventh-round draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick. Guregian 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."
Milton appeared in one game for the Patriots in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills. He went 22-of-29 passing for 241 yards, one touchdown and a 111.4 quarterback rating.
Maye is viewed by the Patriots as the long-term franchise quarterback, and Milton would have had a tough time overtaking him on the depth chart.
It certainly would have created an interesting dynamic had the Patriots kept Milton. It might have been similar to the Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe dynamic.
The Patriots eliminated that possibility by moving on from Milton and making the hierarchy clear in the quarterback room.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Report: Joe Milton thought he could overtake Drake Maye as starter
