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Former Tennessee Vols QB Josh Dobbs will return to a familiar jersey number after signing with the New England Patriots

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Josh Dobbs will head back to the east coast in 2025 after signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots earlier this month.

Dobbs, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, spent the 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

The former Tennessee quarterback will return to a familiar jersey number now that he's with the Patriots.

According to New England's official team roster, Dobbs will wear No. 11 with the Patriots, which is the same number that the Georgia native wore at Tennessee.

New England Patriots QB Joshua Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) is wearing number 11. Last assigned to Parker Romo. #NEPats pic.twitter.com/ow6XfhM8AP
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) March 20, 2025

This isn't the first time that Dobbs has been assigned the No. 11 in the NFL.

Dobbs, who will be playing for his 9th NFL team in 2025, previously wore No. 11 with the Tennessee Titans in 2022.

The former Vols standout also wore No. 11 with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 during training camp (Dobbs wore No. 1 with the Jaguars in 2019).

Dobbs' arrival in New England provides an interesting subplot to the offseason for the franchise. With Dobbs likely to serve as the backup quarterback to starter Drake Maye in 2025, it's led to speculation that the Patriots could trade former Vols quarterback Joe Milton this offseason.

Milton, a sixth round selection by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, became an interesting trade chip for New England after passing for 241 yards and accounting for two touchdowns in a win against the Buffalo Bills in last year's regular season finale.

New England is expected to ask for a day two draft pick in return for Milton. It's also possible he could return to the Patriots in 2025 and serve as the team's No. 3 quarterback.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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