The New England Patriots have “basically a lottery ticket” with quarterback Joe Milton III on the trade block.

NFL insider Ben Volin of The Boston Globe sees things heating up for New England and Milton, a former Tennessee standout known for his peak athleticism on the field. Milton hardly played for the Patriots last season behind quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett, but Milton’s potential has general managers intrigued around the league. ”

Per sources, there is growing sentiment that the Patriots are entertaining trade offers for Milton, their intriguing backup quarterback,” Volin wrote on Wednesday.

“In an offseason light on free agent quarterbacks and top draft prospects, Milton, the Patriots’ sixth-round pick last year, is basically a lottery ticket.”

“The Patriots probably would like to move Milton this offseason, in part to give Maye some breathing room and remove any doubt that the franchise believes in him,” Volin continued.

“New Patriots veteran backup Josh Dobbs bolsters the depth chart and won’t be threatening Maye’s job.

And Milton likely would welcome a trade to a team that gives him a better chance to win a starting job, or at least get on the field.”

A 6-foot-5, 246-pound quarterback, Milton went in the sixth round to the Patriots last year, but his final year at Tennessee in 2023 showed signs of potential NFL success.

Milton threw for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns versus five interceptions plus 299 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 78 carries.

His dual-threat ability was apparent throughout his college career at Tennessee and Michigan amid 661 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 3.8-yard average.

Milton threw for 5,353 yards and 37 touchdowns in 43 career games during college.