Patriots to release Dobbs, bumping DeVito to QB2, sources say

The Patriots informed backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs of their intention to release him, according to ESPN.

Dobbs, 31, served as the No. 2 quarterback behind Drake Maye in the 2025 season.

ESPN

He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026 and carried a $4.75 million salary cap charge.

The deal included per-game roster bonuses of $25,000 (up to $425,000) and a $75,000 workout bonus.

The Patriots signed No. 3 quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal with a base value of $4.4 million after not tendering him as a restricted free agent.

DeVito's deal includes incentives that could raise its value to $7.4 million.

ESPN

The team now projects to bump DeVito, on a cheaper contract, to the No. 2 role.

The Patriots expect to add a No. 3 quarterback later in the offseason.

This addition would come after DeVito's promotion to the No. 2 role on a cheaper contract.

Dobbs' signature game with the Patriots came in a 31-13 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 19 when Maye left early in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.

Dobbs entered and, on third-and-5, completed a 12-yard pass to receiver DeMario Douglas before Maye returned on a drive that ended with a touchdown.

ESPN

That put the Patriots ahead 24-13, and they cruised from there.

In all, Dobbs appeared in just four games last season, mostly to kneel on the ball at the end of victories.