Josh Dobbs’ NFL Journey Just Took Another Turn
Since Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury during the 2023 season, the Vikings have deployed seven different starting quarterbacks in those 2.5 seasons. Perhaps none of them was more entertaining than Josh Dobbs, at least for a two-week stretch.
The Passtronaut spent the 2025 campaign with the New England Patriots, reaching the Super Bowl as Drake Maye’s backup. He’s now about to be released by the franchise after one season.
Ian Rapoport noted on social media, “The #Patriots are planning to release backup QB Josh Dobbs, sources say, after being unable to find a trade partner. Dobbs is now slated to be free.”
Dobbs signed a two-year, $8 million deal last offseason and appeared in four games, completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards and kneeling down a lot.
Rapoport added, “Earlier this offseason, the #Patriots re-signed QB Tommy DeVito to a 2-year, $4.4M contract, with 2026 guaranteed. That led to trade conversations with Josh Dobbs and now his likely release.”
Ironically, just when Dobbs-mania was dwindling in 2023, Tommy DeVito pulled off an upset win over the Green Bay Packers. The former Giants passer will now replace Dobbs as New England’s backup plan for Maye.
Vikings fans will always remember the heights of Dobbs-mania, when he was acquired via trade from the Arizona Cardinals to strengthen the QB room and was asked to toss the rock just a few days after his arrival.
Cousins and Nick Mullens were on IR, leaving Jaren Hall as the only QB with knowledge of the playbook. Dobbs backed him up in Atlanta, but the veteran entered the game after one quarter due to a Hall concussion.
The offensive line didn’t know his snap cadence, he didn’t know the plays, and probably even the names of the receivers were unfamiliar to the Tennessee alumnus. Brandon Powell emerged as his favorite target.
A struggling start with some shaky play was followed by an unbelievable comeback victory. His scrambles out of sacks and backyard-style playmaking ability seconds after getting an introduction on the play calls from Kevin O’Connell was something that doesn’t happen in the NFL, a league that has players prepare for months for the season.
He then played an outstanding first half against the Saints. Unfortunately, his magic slowly faded, and he was ultimately benched for Nick Mullens a few weeks later. Dobbs played in five games with the Vikings (four starts) and tabulated 895 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, and five interceptions, as well as 163 yards and three scores on the ground. The Vikings went 2-2 in his four starts.
After the season, Dobbs joined the San Francisco 49ers, adding to his journeyman resume.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-2019)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2019)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-2021)
- Cleveland Browns (2022)
- Detroit Lions (2022)
- Tennessee Titans (2022)
- Cleveland Browns (2023)
- Arizona Cardinals (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2023)
- San Francisco 49ers (2024)
- New England Patriots (2025)
Throughout his career, Dobbs has played in 27 games with 15 starts. He’ll now hope to find an organization that could use a smart veteran QB2.
Given his experience and reputation as a quick study, the 31-year-old should generate interest around the league as teams look to solidify their quarterback depth charts ahead of training camp. His ability to step in on short notice, combined with his mobility, makes him an appealing option for offenses that value flexibility at the position.
Dobbs has shown he can keep an offense afloat in difficult situations.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.