So Maye went to the sideline. Rookie seventh round pick Joe Milton emerged in his place — a decision that let the Patriots better understand what the young, rocket-armed quarterback was capable of while enhancing the team’s chance of locking in the top overall pick.

Quarterback Joe Milton III, who played for most of the game, went on his Instagram Live and responded to the noise from frustrated fans.

Joe Milton III offered his perspective on fans criticizing the Patriots for not losing their final game of the season.

Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots in Sunday afternoon's Week 18 regular season finale versus the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium, and he made quite the first impression.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie quarterback ran it in from a yard out to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead following the extra point.

New England won its way out of the No. 1 draft pick, but fortunately for the Patriots that's not a season-breaker.

The New England Patriots are set at quarterback from a starting perspective for years to come. Drake Maye took the starting job this season, ran with it, and proved that he is worthy of the "franchise quarterback" title.

That puts the Patriots in a unique position of already having a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye and quite possibly another top-tier option in Milton. There are currently two options for the Patriots: keep Milton as insurance for Maye, or look to move him for draft picks.