The New England Patriots are shaking things up at quarterback, releasing veteran backup Josh Dobbs and opening the door for some intriguing possibilities. Dobbs, who was set to earn under $4 million in 2026, proved reliable last season, so his release raises eyebrows. But this move seems more about opportunity than critique.
Enter Tommy DeVito. Claimed off waivers last summer and now extended for two years, DeVito is poised to step up as the No. 2 behind Drake Maye.
His potential and cost-effectiveness make him an attractive option for the Patriots' backup role. As ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted, DeVito’s promotion is likely, with the team planning to add a No. 3 quarterback later.
This development effectively rules out a reunion with Jimmy Garoppolo. Once a promising Patriots draft pick, Garoppolo’s recent journey with the Raiders and Rams makes him a less likely fit, especially given his contract demands. Bringing him back would counteract the financial benefits of releasing Dobbs and hinder DeVito’s rise.
Instead, New England might explore budget-friendly options for their third QB slot, maintaining one of the league’s most economical quarterback rooms. With Maye’s rookie contract and $35 million in cap space, the Patriots are strategically positioned for a significant offseason move.
The search for a QB3 brings us to a familiar face: Will Grier. Not the flashiest choice, Grier offers reliability and familiarity with the Patriots’ system.
Signed from the Bengals practice squad in 2023, he showed promise with a standout preseason performance for the Cowboys. His experience on practice squads and existing rapport with players like Hunter Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson make him a sensible, cost-effective addition.
While Garoppolo might be the more glamorous option, Patriots fans should anticipate a Maye-DeVito-Grier lineup in 2026. It’s a calculated risk, banking on DeVito’s upside and keeping financial flexibility for future moves, especially with Maye’s expected extension looming in 2027. This strategy underscores the Patriots’ commitment to maximizing their current financial window while building for sustained success.