The New England Patriots are shaking things up this offseason, making strategic moves to bolster their roster for another Super Bowl push. The latest development involves their quarterback lineup, as Joshua Dobbs is set to be released. This news comes straight from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Dobbs, who served as the backup to Drake Maye last season, was on track to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026, with a salary cap hit of $4.75 million. However, his role was largely limited to end-of-game kneel downs across four appearances.
The Patriots' decision to release Dobbs isn't entirely unexpected. Just weeks ago, they brought in Tommy DeVito on a two-year, $7.4 million contract, which includes $2 million guaranteed. With Dobbs out of the picture, DeVito steps up as the primary backup to Maye.
DeVito's journey to New England saw him spend the last two seasons with the New York Giants, where he played in 12 games, starting eight. Over his career, he's amassed 1,358 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Given Maye's strong health record, DeVito might mostly see action in preseason or when games are comfortably decided. Still, having a dependable backup is always a smart move.
As for Dobbs, his future could still be bright. Teams on the hunt for a solid backup or a third-string quarterback might find his experience appealing. Dobbs has proven he can step up and secure victories when called upon, a trait that doesn’t go unnoticed in the NFL.