The New England Patriots are making headlines as they prepare to release veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs. Despite efforts to find a trade partner, the Patriots are parting ways with Dobbs, who served as the primary backup to starter Drake Maye during their Super Bowl LX run. This move comes after the team secured a two-year contract extension with fellow backup Tommy DeVito, a former starter for the New York Giants.
At 31, Dobbs finds himself at a crossroads, while DeVito, at 27, seems to be the preferred choice moving forward. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers might have an eye on Dobbs, especially if Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old quarterback, decides to retire. The Steelers are in need of a seasoned player to compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Dobbs' NFL journey began with the Steelers, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2017. Initially the third-string quarterback, he moved up to back up Ben Roethlisberger in 2018.
However, with Rudolph’s development, Dobbs was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. That trade indirectly led to the acquisition of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a significant move for the Steelers.
Dobbs’ time with the Jaguars was short-lived, and he found himself back with the Steelers, though injuries limited his impact. In 2022, he joined the Cleveland Browns during Deshaun Watson's suspension but didn't see game action. His path then led him to the Detroit Lions’ practice squad and subsequently to the Tennessee Titans, where he made his first NFL start due to injuries and struggles within the team.
The Arizona Cardinals became Dobbs’ next destination, where he started eight games, demonstrating resilience with a 62.8% completion rate, though the team only secured one win during his starts. His stint with the Cardinals ended when Kyler Murray returned, prompting a mid-season trade to the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a brief run before losing the starting role.
In 2024, Dobbs signed with the San Francisco 49ers, making a single start before joining the Patriots in 2025. As Dobbs navigates the next chapter of his career, teams in need of a veteran presence will likely keep an eye on his availability.