The New York Giants reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Joe Milton before the New England Patriots finalized a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, according to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Schultz noted that since Milton became available earlier in the offseason, several teams—including the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cowboys—had shown interest. However, he added that while the Patriots received a stronger offer elsewhere, they ultimately honored Milton’s preference and sent him to his desired destination.
Given that the Giants have since signed veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, it’s unlikely they were the team that made the most competitive offer. However, they may have explored a Milton trade earlier in the offseason but decided his asking price was too steep. It’s also possible that Milton himself was not interested in joining New York, despite potentially having a clearer path to a starting role than in Dallas.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport initially reported that the trade involved late-round draft compensation. He later clarified that the Patriots received a fifth-round pick in exchange for Milton and a seventh-rounder—essentially a two-round pick swap.
This return is significantly lower than New England’s initial asking price. According to Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grossi, the Patriots were originally seeking a third-round pick for Milton earlier in the offseason.