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Mike Vrabel gives short and direct answer when asked why the Patriots traded former Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton to the Cowboys

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 11:52 AM ET

One of the first major moves Mike Vrabel made after taking over as the head coach of the New England Patriots was trading former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys.

Milton, a sixth round selection by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, reportedly wanted out of New England because he wasn't receiving an opportunity to compete with Drake Maye for the starting job.

Vrabel joined The Greg Hill Show this week and he was asked about the decision to trade Milton to Dallas.

The veteran NFL head coach gave a short and direct answer to the question about Milton.

"Just another coach's decision," said Vrabel. "Felt like this is what was best for our team. Trying to do what's best for the team."

The Patriots signed journeyman Josh Dobbs, who is also a former Volunteers quarterback, to serve as Maye's top backup.

(Dobbs briefly played for the Tennessee Titans when Vrabel was the head coach in Nashville.)

Why did the Patriots bring in Josh Dobbs and move on from Joe Milton III?

Mike Vrabel: "Just another coach's decision. Felt like this is what was best for our team. Trying to do what's best for the team." pic.twitter.com/gRiYurabER
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) August 11, 2025

It seems clear that Milton isn't a quarterback that Vrabel felt was destined to be part of New England's longterm future. So instead of letting Milton's desire to start become a distraction, he shipped the former Vol to Dallas -- where he is competing to be Dak Prescott's top backup.

Milton, by the way, had an uneven preseason debut for the Cowboys, but Dallas owner Jerry Jones is still very excited about the second year quarterback's potential.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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