The New England Patriots are making moves in their quarterback room, planning to release Joshua Dobbs after unsuccessful trade attempts, as reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This decision follows the re-signing of QB Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal with 2026 guaranteed, making Dobbs the odd man out.
Financially, this move gives the Patriots some breathing room, saving them $3.7 million in cap space for 2026, though they will carry $1.05 million in dead cap. These numbers reflect the strategic balancing act teams often perform to maintain financial flexibility while building a competitive roster.
Dobbs, now 31, has had quite the journey since being drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round back in 2017. His career has been a whirlwind, starting with a trade to the Jaguars for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. After being waived by Jacksonville in 2020, Dobbs found his way back to Pittsburgh, signing a one-year deal in 2021.
His next stop was with the Browns, though his time there was cut short to make room for Deshaun Watson. The Lions picked him up for their practice squad, but the Titans quickly snatched him for their active roster.
Dobbs circled back to the Browns on a one-year contract before being traded to the Cardinals along with a 2024 seventh-round pick for a 2024 fifth-round pick. The Cardinals then flipped him to the 49ers, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick, for a 2024 sixth-round pick. Eventually, Dobbs landed with the Patriots on a two-year, $8 million deal ahead of the 2025 season.
In the 2025 season, Dobbs saw limited action with New England, appearing in four games and completing seven of 10 passes for 65 yards. While his journey has been marked by frequent moves, Dobbs has consistently shown resilience and adaptability-traits that may yet find him another opportunity in the league. As the Patriots move forward with DeVito, Dobbs will be looking for his next chapter in a career that's been nothing short of eventful.