Dobbs Mania Heads to San Francisco

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Viking quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

This past season was a tumultuous one for the Minnesota Vikings, particularly at the quarterback position.

When Kirk Cousins went down with an Achilles injury in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings were left scrambling to find solutions under center. One of those solutions was the decision to acquire Josh Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals via trade.

Following the season, Dobbs hit unrestricted free agency, and the quarterback is deciding to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.

Vikings QB Josh Dobbs Signs with the San Francisco 49ers

Josh Dobbs
Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Viking quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The deal was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, who tweeted, “49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with veteran QB Josh Dobbs, per his agent @MikeMcCartney7.”

Dobbs’ short stint as the Vikings starter offered plenty of exciting moments. Just days after being acquired via trade, the QB was the catalyst for a comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, and he followed that game up with a stellar performance against a talented New Orleans Saints defense.

In total, he played five games for the Vikings, making four starts, and Minnesota went 3-2 in games that he appeared in. Dobbs completed 62.9% of his passes for 895 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions in those appearances while adding 30 carries for 163 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) warms up before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Before his stint with the Vikings, Dobbs was an NFL journeyman throughout his early NFL career. Since 2017, the QB has spent time with seven separate NFL teams in those eight seasons. Just in 2023, he spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings.

In fact, just one week before his first appearance in a Vikings uniform, Dobbs was the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. He started each of the first eight games of the season in Arizona, and he completed 62.8% of his passes for 1569 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions while putting together 47 carries for 258 yards and three rushing TDs.

Over his entire career, Dobbs has played in 21 NFL games, including 14 starts. His respective teams have a combined record of 3-11 in those starts.

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) hands the ball off against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Now, Dobbs heads to the 49ers where he will be the backup to Brock Purdy, essentially swapping places with San Francisco’s former backup, Sam Darnold, who signed with the Vikings last week.


Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.