Patriots reportedly planning to cut QB Joshua Dobbs after failed trade

Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald on Mar 23, 2026

Published in Football

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BOSTON — The New England Patriots are planning to release backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, according to the NFL Network.

Dobbs, 31, appeared in four games last season, but only one as an injury replacement. He went 7 of 10 for 65 yards during his first and only season in New England after signing as a free agent last spring.

Dobbs’ release comes after the team reportedly failed to trade him in recent weeks. Once the Pats re-signed No. 3 quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year, $4.4 million contract earlier this month, Dobbs and the team discussed a potential trade, according to the NFL Network.

Dobbs, one of the NFL’s most traveled journeymen, has played for nine teams since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2017. He was well-respected in the Patriots’ locker room and regarded as one of their sharpest players. Drake Maye will now have a third different primary backup in as many seasons.

Maye was complimentary of both his backups shortly after DeVito was claimed off waivers last August.

“Josh being able to be in a bunch of different offenses, play in the big-time games on a short week’s notice, coming into (new) teams and seeing everything — they’ve been great with me, supportive,” Maye said. “I think they both throw it well, so it’s good to compete with them throwing in practice and seeing who’s spinning it better or whatever.”

DeVito never appeared in a game last year, though he has starting and No. 2 backup experience from his three years with the New York Giants. Over his career, DeVito has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

Vrabel spoke to DeVito’s progress in the Patriots’ offense before the AFC Championship Game last January.

“I think Tommy’s really improved in our system, what it is that we’re asking him to do and how he would need to operate,” Vrabel said on Jan. 22. “So again, (Dobbs and DeVito) have been great. They’ve been a huge support for Drake (Maye) and everything that we’ve done offensively, and then running and operating our (scout) team.”

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