The New England Patriots made a long-expected move.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Patriots are set to release quarterback Josh Dobbs after failing to find a trade partner for the veteran, who was in the final year of his $8 million contract.
"The Patriots are planning to release backup QB Josh Dobbs, sources say, after the being unable to find a trade partner. Dobbs is now slated to be free," Rapoport reported on Monday.
The writing was on the wall for quite some time that Dobbs would get cut or traded.
Why Patriots are releasing Josh Dobbs
As Rapoport added to his report, the Patriots re-signed fellow backup Tommy DeVito earlier this offseason, giving him a two-year, $4.4 million contract.
"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," Rapoport wrote.
It simply made no sense for the Patriots to keep a third quarterback on the active roster. Adding to that, the Patriots will save $3.7 million in cap space.
Is Josh Dobbs any good?
Yes, Dobbs is a solid backup capable of keeping a team afloat in the short term. But, as is the case with most backups, he'll start to get exposed the longer he remains out there.
In 27 games (15 starts) over six seasons in the NFL, Dobbs has posted a completion rate of 62.8% and a passer rating 78.3 while throwing for 3,346 yards and 17 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.
The 31-year-old is also highly intelligent (he wants to be a literal rocket scientist) and is a great locker room guy and mentor, all qualities that can help a young, developing quarterback and/or a team with a bad culture.
Raiders, Packers, Dolphins, Jets could have interest
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick and could use some veteran competition for the backup job, which is currently held by Aidan O'Connell.
The Packers lost Malik Willis in free agency and Dobbs would be a better bet for Green Bay than both Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord.
Speaking of Willis, he's now with the Miami Dolphins, whose only backup option on the roster right now is second-year signal-caller Quinn Ewers. Safe to say, the Dolphins should bring in veteran competition for Ewers.
When it comes to the Jets, they do have an experienced starter in Geno Smith, but rumors have suggested the team wants to bring in another veteran behind him. Currently, New York's backup options are Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook.
Dobbs would check a box for any of those four teams, so don't be surprised if he ends up with the Jets, Raiders, Packers or Dolphins.
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