The New England Patriots signed Joshua Dobbs to a two-year, $8 million contract, with a maximum value of $10 millon and $3.8 million guaranteed last March to serve as Drake Maye’s backup, following the Joe Milton III trade to the Dallas Cowboys. He appeared in just four games, primarily playing mop-up duty, and logged 44 offensive snaps. Dobbs completed seven of ten pass attempts for 65 yards while rushing for -5 yards on ten attempts.
The Patriots were reportedly trying to trade Dobbs after re-signing Tommy DeVito to a two-year, $4.4 million contract with a maximum value of $7.4 million and the first year guaranteed at $2 million, as DeVito is expected to serve as the backup quarterback in 2026. Dobbs is scheduled to earn a $3.2 million base salary and $3.7 million in cash while carrying a $4.75 million cap charge, per Over The Cap. A trading team would inherit a one-year, $3.7 million contract, taking on the base salary, per-game, and workout bonuses.
New England Patriots are prepared to move on from the 31-year-old backup
New England Patriots, Joshua Dobbs
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Patriots plan to release Joshua Dobbs after failing to find a trade suitor. As a result, the front office will free $3.7 million in cap space while taking on $1.05 million in dead cap. Dobbs should attract interest from many teams in need of a backup quarterback, thanks to his 15 career starts and 3,000 passing yards.
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. pic.twitter.com/IVutDHBwUX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026
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