Patriots to Release Backup QB Josh Dobbs

New England to save $3.7 million in cap space with Dobbs' departure.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:25pm

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The New England Patriots plan to release quarterback Josh Dobbs after failing to find a trade partner, according to an NFL Network report. Dobbs had one season left on a two-year, $8 million deal he signed last March to be Drake Maye's backup. The Patriots will save $3.7 million in salary-cap space but take on $1.05 million in dead money with Dobbs' release.

Why it matters

The Patriots' decision to release Dobbs comes as they have re-signed quarterback Tommy DeVito, who served as the team's emergency third-string QB last season, to a two-year, $4.4 million contract. This move suggests the Patriots are confident in DeVito as Maye's primary backup going forward.

The details

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 played for six teams over six NFL seasons, compiling a 3-12 record as a starter while completing 62.8% of his passes for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. DeVito, 27, didn't appear in a game for the Patriots last season but started eight of 12 games for the New York Giants from 2023-24, throwing for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

  • The Patriots re-signed QB Tommy DeVito to a two-year, $4.4 million contract earlier this month.

The players

Josh Dobbs

A 31-year-old quarterback who was the Patriots' backup QB last season.

Tommy DeVito

A 27-year-old quarterback who served as the Patriots' emergency third-string QB last season and has now been re-signed to a two-year deal.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback.

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The takeaway

The Patriots' decision to release Dobbs and re-sign DeVito suggests they are confident in their quarterback depth chart heading into the 2026 season, with Maye as the starter and DeVito as the primary backup.