The New England Patriots intend to release backup quarterback Josh Dobbs following unsuccessful trade negotiations, according to NFL Media. This move reshapes the quarterback room behind starter Drake Maye, with Tommy DeVito positioned as the new backup. The defending AFC champions will save $3.7 million in salary cap space.
The Patriots, fresh off their Super Bowl LX run in the 2025 season, are adjusting their quarterback depth. Dobbs, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract in March 2025, backed up Drake Maye last year. Maye started all 17 regular-season games, limiting Dobbs to four appearances where he completed 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards. The release, which includes $1.05 million in dead money, leaves the 31-year-old free agent after no trade partner emerged. This offseason, New England re-signed Tommy DeVito, last season's third-string quarterback, to a two-year, $4.4 million deal. The current quarterback room consists solely of Maye and DeVito, prompting potential additions. Dobbs entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. He has played for the Steelers (most extensively from 2017-2019 and 2020-2021), Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers. In 27 career games with 15 starts, Dobbs holds a 3-12 record, 3,346 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 515 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns.
