The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) released Joshua Dobbs on Monday, and the veteran backup could be a hot commodity in free agency.
Dobbs has been in the NFL since 2018 and has played in 27 games. He is 3-12 as a starter, but he is a solid option to have as a backup. He backed up Drake Maye all of last season, but the Patriots rarely had to put him on the field. Now that he is a free agent, these teams could be a great fit for him.
Green Bay Packers
-----------------
The Packers lost Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Willis was a great backup for Jordan Love. He struggled early in his career, but with Matt LaFleur, he turned into a starting-caliber quarterback. Unfortunately for the Packers, it means their insurance policy for Love is gone.
The Packers' current backup options are Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord. The Packers have Super Bowl aspirations, and having a good backup quarterback could keep them alive if Love misses any time next season. Dobbs has plenty of NFL experience and could be a cheap addition to the Packers. LeFleur has been great at developing quarterbacks so far, so he may be able to unlock something in Dobbs and have him game-ready if the Packers need him.
Dobbs is already a better option than Ridder and McCord, even if he doesn't get better with LaFleur.
Atlanta Falcons
---------------
The Atlanta Falcons brought in Kevin Stefanski this offseason. Stefanski coached Dobbs briefly when both were with the Cleveland Browns. Dobbs was released in November of 2022, but re-signed with the Browns in 2023. He was traded before the start of the 2023-2024 season.
The Falcons have Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterbacks right now. Penix could miss time to start next season after tearing his ACL last season. Tagovailoa would seemingly start in that case, but Dobbs could serve as a backup. It would not be the first time Dobbs signed as a temporary backup for a Stefanski-led team. In 2022, he was signed to be in the quarterback room while Deshaun Watson was suspended. He was released as soon as Watson returned.
If Dobbs signed with Atlanta, he would likely be released if Tagovailoa were healthy when Penix was ready to play. However, this landing spot seems reliant on whether Penix will be healthy or not. If he's healthy, the Falcons would not need a quarterback.
Penix is originally from Alpharetta, just outside of Atlanta. A homecoming would not be far-fetched.
_**More NFL: [Patriots Predicted To Add College Football Award Winner To Strengthen Defense](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-predicted-add-college-football-award-winner-strengthen-defense/98d6a1d3a13c7964861c2d8b)**_