In a move that’s sure to shake up their quarterback room, the New England Patriots are reportedly set to release backup quarterback Josh Dobbs. The news, coming from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, highlights a shift for the Patriots as they look to refine their roster following a Super Bowl runner-up finish.
Dobbs, who joined the Patriots for the 2025 season, played a supporting role behind starter Drake Maye. While his on-field action was limited, appearing in four games and completing 7-of-10 passes for 65 yards, his presence was part of a team that made it all the way to the big game.
Before landing in New England, Dobbs spent the 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers. It was a challenging year for the Niners, finishing 6-11 and struggling through a tough end to the season.
Dobbs’ journey through the NFL has been a winding one, with his most productive stint coming in 2023. That year, he split time between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
With Arizona, he threw for 266 yards, tallying eight touchdowns against five interceptions, and added three rushing touchdowns. A midseason trade sent him to Minnesota, where he added five more touchdowns and three rushing scores.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, Dobbs has been around the league, bringing a wealth of experience from his college days at the University of Tennessee. There, he racked up over 7,000 passing yards and 53 touchdowns, while also being a significant threat on the ground with over 2,000 rushing yards.
Dobbs’ time in New England was marked by a two-year, $8 million contract, signed in March 2025. His journey to the Super Bowl with the Patriots was a career milestone, even if his role was primarily as a backup.
As the Patriots move forward, this decision underscores their commitment to shaping a team ready to contend at the highest level. For Dobbs, the release opens a new chapter, and it will be intriguing to see where his NFL journey takes him next.