CBS Sports: Patriots' Joe Milton Named New Low-Risk Steelers Trade Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their sights set on reaching a deal with quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Justin Fields was the team's first option, but when he decided to leave Pittsburgh for the New York Jets, the team's focus shifted to Rodgers. Rodgers visited with the Steelers on Friday, but left the facility without a deal done. So, as Rodgers continues to prolong his decision, the Steelers need to explore other options in case he decides not to play in Pittsburgh this season. Russell Wilson is a viable option for the Steelers but sits in limbo waiting on the Rodgers decision. There is also a world where both Rodgers and Wilson decide not to play in the Steel City. 

If Rodgers and Wilson decide to finish their careers with another team, then the Steelers would have three options: play the 2025 season with Mason Rudolph, draft a quarterback, or trade for a signal-caller. Several mock drafts have the Steelers either taking a quarterback in the first or third round. Many of those mock drafts show the Steelers either taking Shedeur Sanders, if available, or Jaxson Dart, with the 21st pick of the first round. 

Outside of drafting a quarterback, the Steelers have also been the subject to conversations about potentially acquiring a quarterback via trade if they are not completely sold on any of the draft prospects. One veteran the Steelers could potentially trade for is the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins is coming off of back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, so even though he has proven to be a capable quarterback in the NFL he may be high-risk. However, CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan believes Joe Milton III could be a low-risk option for the Steelers. 

"Even if they added another veteran to the room, Milton could be a low-risk acquisition to come in and compete for the starting job over the summer," Sullivan wrote. "Given his ability to throw the football a country mile, he'd be fascinating to see with DK Metcalf and George Pickens at his disposal." 

Whether the Steelers bring back Wilson or sign Rodgers, Milton could still be a great player to have on the depth chart. Milton does not have much experience as a starter as he has only started one NFL game in his rookie season. Milton had the opportunity to start Week 18 for the New England Patriots as they faced the Buffalo Bills. In his only NFL start, Milton put together an impressive performance. Milton threw for 241 yards, one touchdown, and rushed for one touchdown in a losing effort to the Bills. 

The most impressive thing about Mitlon's Week 18 performance was his accuracy. Milton finished the game with a completion percentage of 75.9, completing 22 of 29 throws. Milton was heavily criticized coming out of college for being inaccurate, and even though the sample size is small, it was not apparent in that Week 18 loss. During his senior year at the University of Tennessee, Milton completed only 38.6 percent of his throws 10 yards or more. Even though Milton was labeled as an inaccurate quarterback, those misses did not translate to turnovers. Milton threw for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions his senior year at Tennessee.

Throwing accuracy is something Milton can work on and develop throughout his time in the league. Throwing power, however, is not; you either have it or you don't. Well, Milton has it, and based on his only NFL performance thus far, his accuracy doesn't seem to be a big issue.

Steelers Pairing Milton with George Pickens And DK Metcalf Could Be Dynamic 

Milton is known for being able to launch a football as far as the eyes can see. During the Manning Passing Academy in 2023, Milton stood out for launching a throw 70-plus yards. Also, at the same camp, Milton told reporters the furthest pass he's ever thrown traveled 97 yards. 

The deep ball threats of DK Metcalf and George Pickens could make for some entertaining football in Pittsburgh if the organization decides to acquire Milton. 

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