What does it say when the worst team in the NFL makes a change at quarterback in the last game of the season with the first overall pick at stake?
The New England Patriots did exactly that on Sunday in their season finale against the Buffalo Bills.
Drake Maye started the game, but was replaced by Joe Milton III, who is third on the Patriots' depth chart behind veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Perhaps it purely is just an opportunity to give the sixth-round selection from last year an opportunity to see NFL turf in an exhibition game, or perhaps not.
Heading into Sunday, the Patriots hold onto the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. A loss against the superior Bills, who are resting several key players, would ensure New England gets the prize.
The Patriots entered Week 18 with a 4-12 record, tied with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. However, they hold a league-highest 78% chance at landing the pick thanks to their lower strength of schedule, giving them the tiebreaker.
Although, as this story was being written, the Patriots scored two touchdowns and lead the Bills 14-7, so Milton III's deployment could leave New England fans less satisfied than some may have thought depending on the second half of the game.
If New England beats Buffalo on Sunday, they would forfeit the No. 1 pick following the Browns' loss to Baltimore on Saturday. To retain the top selection with a win, the Patriots would need the Titans, Browns, and Giants to also win. Similarly, if the Patriots and Bills tie, New England would need the Browns, Titans, and Giants to either tie or win their respective games.
"I said as a player, as a coach, we've always – anytime we step on the football field, we expect to go out there, play at a high level and win," said head coach Jerod Mayo on Friday.
Maye is really the only pick from last's years draft that has proved he can provide value in the long run. The projected top-two picks in the upcoming draft are both quarterbacks, leading a strong class of them.
If the Patriots do land the top-overall selection, taking Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward would not be in their best interest, so securing the pick could become premium trade capital to start boosting other needs.
More news: Browns Fire Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey, is a Rebuild Coming?
For more on the Giants, head to Newsweek Sports.
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