Patriots to Move on From Former Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs
Image: David Stephenson/Associated Press
By Aidan Sidoti
VFL Joshua Dobbs is back on the move.
The New England Patriots are planning to release former Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs after one season in Foxborough, unable to find a trade partner for the six‑year NFL veteran, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Dobbs, a former 2017 fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh, appeared in four games for New England last season during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl. Used primarily in blowouts, he attempted just 10 passes, completing 7 for 65 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
His pending release means the Alpharetta, Georgia native will now be searching for his fifth team in four years, continuing one of the more unique quarterback journeys in the league.
Dobbs’ most memorable professional stretch came in 2023, when he opened the season as Arizona’s starting quarterback for the first eight weeks before being traded at the deadline to Minnesota. He played in just five games for the Vikings, including a nationally-televised debut where led a comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons just days after being traded, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
In 2024, Dobbs signed with San Francisco and served as the third‑string quarterback, but delivered a career performance in the season finale. Filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, he threw for a career‑high 326 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Arizona.
Dobbs then joined New England in 2025, backing up rookie quarterback Drake Maye throughout the Patriots’ AFC title run.
With the release expected to be finalized soon, Dobbs should draw interest from a plethora of teams ahead of the NFL Draft next month.
