Patriots reportedly set to release backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 4: Joshua Dobbs #11 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The No. 2 quarterback spot has changed hands at Gillette Stadium.

The New England Patriots plan to release veteran backup Joshua Dobbs after no trade partner emerged, per a report Monday from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

Dobbs, 31, checked into four games during his lone season working behind starter, captain, Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro Drake Maye. Landing last March on a two-year, $8 million contract featuring $3.8 million guaranteed, he went on to complete 7-of-10 passes for 65 yards with no touchdowns nor interceptions.

A cap number of $4.75 million was ahead for 2026, according to OverTheCap.com, with $3.2 million due in base salary.

Entering the NFL in the fourth round of the 2017 draft at No. 135 overall, Dobbs logged previous stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Tennessee Volunteers product stands 27 appearances and 1,157 offensive snaps into his well-traveled career.

Making 15 starts under center, Dobbs has completed 62.8 percent of his throws for 3,346 yards with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. An additional 515 yards and eight visits to the end zone have been accrued as a rusher.

The departure moves Tommy DeVito up to the second rung on the depth chart for head coach Mike Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant. Claimed off waivers from the New York Giants following the 53-man roster deadline last August, the 2023 undrafted arrival out of Syracuse and Illinois dressed as the No. 3 emergency QB last campaign with the eventual AFC champions.

As a restricted free agent leading up to the new league year, DeVito, 27, was retained in Foxborough on a two-year contract extension carrying a base value of $4.4 million.