The New England Patriots have fielded multiple trade inquiries for quarterback Joe Milton III, MassLive.com reported Wednesday.

A source close to the 25-year-old former sixth-round pick said Milton would prefer to be on a roster where he can compete for the starting job rather than serve as one of Drake Maye’s backups in New England.

The Patriots also have Josh Dobbs on the quarterback depth chart after signing the veteran to a two-year, $8 million deal last month.

Milton caught the league’s attention in Week 18 last season. Making his NFL debut, the rookie completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown in a 23-16 win against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 5.

First-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was asked Monday at the NFL owners meetings about Milton being a potential trade asset.

“We’ll see as the draft approaches, or where Joe is on April 7 to start our offseason program,” Vrabel said. “But you have to give Joe credit for being ready to go, going from the third quarterback to being able to win that football game and stay ready and stay hungry.”

–Field Level Media