The New England Patriots spent most of the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period on Monday splurging on their defense.
But the Patriots also made a surprise addition to their offense.
The Patriots agreed to a two-year deal with backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, according to a social media post by Dobbs’ agent Mike McCartney. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported Dobbs’ contract is worth $8 million over the two years with 3.8 million guaranteed.
Dobbs, who joins his fifth different team in four seasons, comes to New England with a connection already in place with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Dobbs played for Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and started two games at the end of that campaign.
The 30-year-old has spent the majority of his five-year NFL career in a backup role. He did make 12 starts between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings in 2023, though. Dobbs compiled a 3-9 record that season while completing 62.8% of his passes for 2,464 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
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He spent last season under Kyle Shanahan’s watch with the San Francisco 49ers. Dobbs ended up making two appearances (one start) for the injury-plagued 49ers in which he completed 68.8% passes for 361 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Dobbs brings a dual-threat ability to the pocket. He owns eight rushing touchdowns in his career to go along with the 17 touchdowns he has thrown.
Dobbs gives a veteran presence to New England’s quarterback room, which already has starter Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. Milton and Dobbs presumably will battle to be Maye’s primary backup.