New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) throws the ball during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Dec 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Patriots Releasing Veteran Backup QB

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Dominic Campbell | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 10:34 AM ET

The New England Patriots have a star quarterback in Drake Maye for the foreseeable future, but have moved on from another player in his position group.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Patriots are planning to release quarterback Joshua Dobbs and make him a free agent, following the inability to find a trade partner.

The #Patriots are planning to release backup QB Josh Dobbs, sources say, after the being unable to find a trade partner. Dobbs is now slated to be free. pic.twitter.com/IVutDHBwUX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026

Rapoport also reported that the Patriots re-signing quarterback Tommy Devito to a two-year, $4.4 million contract resulted in trade talks surrounding Dobbs, and then them eventually releasing him.

Dobbs joined the Patriots on a two-year, $8 million deal on March 18, 2025, which marked his ninth NFL team in as many seasons he's played in.

He saw a limited role with New England, as Maye stayed healthy for almost the whole season. Dobbs featured in just four games and completed 7-of-10 passes for 65 yards.

Those four games were all blowout wins, a 42-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 4 at Gilette Stadium, road wins in 31-13 over the Tennessee Titans in Week 7 and 42-10 over the New York Jets in Week 17, plus a 38-10 home victory against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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