Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Patriots Release Drake Maye's Backup QB During NFL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 11:51 AM ET

Drake Maye finished the 2025 season with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, he led New England to a 14–3 record and an AFC East title.

This 10-win improvement from the previous 3–14 season ties the NFL record for the largest single-season turnaround, a mark previously held by the 1999 Indianapolis Colts and the 2008 Miami Dolphins.

Maye earned second-team All-Pro honors and his second straight Pro Bowl selection. While the Patriots lost Super Bowl LX to the Seattle Seahawks 29–13 at Levi's Stadium, Maye’s performance solidified his role as the team's franchise quarterback.

Some even branded him as Tom Brady 2.0 after leading the league with a 72% completion rate and a 77.1 QBR. Now, heading into 2026, New England is trimming the depth chart around him.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots are planning to release backup QB Josh Dobbs after failing to find a trade partner, noting that "Dobbs is now slated to be free."

Rapoport also confirmed the move was triggered by the Patriots’ earlier decision to re-sign Tommy DeVito, penning, “Earlier this offseason, the #Patriots re-signed QB Tommy DeVito to a 2-year, $4.4M contract, with 2026 guaranteed. That led to trade conversations with Josh Dobbs and now his likely release.”

Earlier this offseason, the #Patriots re-signed QB Tommy DeVito to a 2-year, $4.4M contract, with 2026 guaranteed. That led to trade conversations with Josh Dobbs and now his likely release. https://t.co/6pKyJntAg5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026

Dobbs, 31, played in four regular-season games for the Patriots, completing 7 passes from 10 attempts for 65 yards.

He served as the primary backup to Maye, with his only significant action occurring in garbage time during multiple blowout wins. Now, the veteran "Passtronaut" is headed to free agency, where he’ll likely serve as a reliable safety net for another team.

With Tommy DeVito’s new two-year extension, the Patriots can move the 27-year-old into the backup role. At $2.2 million a year, he’s an affordable and capable option to sit behind Maye as he enters his third season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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