The New England Patriots are reportedly preparing to part ways with quarterback Joshua Dobbs, according to NFL Network”s Ian Rapoport. This decision comes after the team was unable to secure a trade involving Dobbs. His status with the team became uncertain following the re-signing of quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year contract, which includes guaranteed money through 2026.
Releasing Dobbs will provide the Patriots with financial relief, as it is projected to save the team approximately $3.7 million in cap space for 2026. However, the move will also leave about $1.05 million in dead cap for the franchise.
At 31 years old, Dobbs was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent three years under his rookie contract with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth-round selection in the 2020 draft. However, Dobbs was waived by Jacksonville that September and quickly claimed by the Steelers, who re-signed him for the 2021 season.
He later signed with the Cleveland Browns, but was released to make room for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Dobbs then joined the Detroit Lions practice squad, where he remained for a brief period before being signed by the Tennessee Titans to their active roster. His journey continued as he rejoined the Browns on a one-year deal.
In a subsequent trade, the Browns sent Dobbs, along with a 2024 seventh-round draft pick, to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the same draft. The Cardinals later traded him to the San Francisco 49ers, also involving a seventh-round pick. Eventually, Dobbs landed with the Patriots, signing a two-year, $8 million contract before the 2025 season.
During the 2025 season, Dobbs played in four games for New England, completing seven out of ten passes for a total of 65 yards.
