Report: Patriots plan to release backup QB Josh Dobbs

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd March, 12:57 2026

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito (16) and quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) takes the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots plan to release quarterback Josh Dobbs after failing to find a trade partner, NFL Network reported Monday.

Dobbs has one season left on the two-year, $8 million deal he signed last March to become Drake Maye's backup.

Earlier this month, the Patriots re-signed quarterback Tommy DeVito, who joined the team last offseason and served as New England's emergency third-string quarterback, to a two-year, $4.4 million contract.

The Patriots will save $3.7 in salary-cap space but take on $1.05 million in dead money with Dobbs' release.

Dobbs, 31, appeared in four games for New England last season, completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards. The 2017 fourth-round pick has appeared in 27 games (15 starts with a 3-12 record) with six teams over six seasons, completing 62.8% of his passes for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, adding 515 rushing yards and eight scores.

DeVito, 27, didn't appear in a game last season for New England but started eight of the 12 games he played for the New York Giants from 2023-24. He threw for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions along with 227 yards and one rushing score.

--Field Level Media

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