In a surprising turn of events, rookie quarterback Joe Milton III made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots in their Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on January 5, 2025. Milton’s performance was instrumental in the Patriots’ 23-16 victory, a win that notably shifted their position in the upcoming NFL Draft from the No. 1 to the No. 4 pick.
Initially, fellow rookie quarterback Drake Maye started the game but was replaced by Milton after the first series. Milton, who had been serving on the scout team throughout the season, was informed of his impending playtime only moments after the game’s kickoff. He recalled, “After the kickoff (the coaches were) like, ‘Hey, you’re going in next series.’ And I was like, ‘All right, let’s do it.'”
Milton’s debut was impressive; he completed 22 of 29 pass attempts, amassing 241 yards, and threw one touchdown pass without any interceptions. He also showcased his mobility by rushing for a touchdown in the first quarter. A highlight of his performance was a 48-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in the second quarter, where Milton adeptly evaded the pass rush to make the play.
Reflecting on his unexpected opportunity, Milton expressed a sense of disbelief: “I’m going to be honest with you all. Still to this moment right now, none of this feels real. Just because I did scout team the whole year. I didn’t know when my moment was going to come.”
The victory, while a positive end to a challenging season, had implications for the Patriots’ draft prospects. By winning, they moved from holding the first overall pick to the fourth in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As the Patriots look ahead, decisions loom regarding Milton’s role within the team. With Maye established as the starting quarterback, the organization must determine whether to retain Milton as a backup or consider trading him for draft assets. Regardless, Milton’s debut has provided a promising glimpse into his potential future in the NFL.
