The New England Patriots have released journeyman quarterback Josh Dobbs, officially anointing Tommy DeVito—fresh off a two-year, $7.4 million extension—as the primary backup to franchise cornerstone Drake Maye, a move that reshapes the team’s QB depth chart and strategic flexibility for the upcoming season.
The New England Patriots’ quarterback room has a new, permanent hierarchy. In a clear and decisive roster move, the team has released Josh Dobbs, who served as the primary backup to rookie sensation Drake Maye throughout the 2025 season that culminated in a Super Bowl appearance. This decision, reported by the Associated Press, immediately elevates Tommy DeVito to the undisputed No. 2 quarterback spot on the depth chart.
The logic behind this move is buried in the timeline and the financial commitment. The Patriots signed DeVito, their third quarterback from last season, to a two-year contract extension worth up to $7.4 million, with $2 million guaranteed, just two weeks ago. That investment, first reported by Sean Stellato and detailed by Adam Schefter, signals a long-term plan. Retaining Dobbs, who was set to earn a veteran salary and occupied a roster spot, no longer made operational or financial sense once DeVito’s future with the team was secured.
For Drake Maye, the significance is developmental stability. His rookie season was a whirlwind of adjustment, culminating in a surprising AFC Championship run. Having a defined, familiar backup in DeVito—rather than the temporary, veteran presence of Dobbs—creates a more consistent and predictable practice environment. DeVito knows the system, having been in the building last year, and can provide better simulation of defensive looks during weekly preparations.
The narrative of Tommy DeVito has dramatically shifted. Once viewed as a potential third-string QB or a camp arm, his contract extension and now this release of Dobbs reframes his role. He is no longer a depth piece; he is the direct successor-in-waiting and the primary emergency option for a team with genuine Super Bowl aspirations. His performance in limited relief appearances last season, though not detailed in the blurb, must have convinced the coaching staff of his readiness and chemistry within the offense.
- The Contract Extension: A two-year deal worth up to $7.4 million, with $2 million guaranteed, locks DeVito in as the investment.
- The Roster Math: Releasing Dobbs frees up a veteran roster spot and likely cap space, assets the Patriots can redirect towards other needs, notably the offensive line.
- The Development Path: Maye now has a single, stable mentor figure in the QB room, which is crucial for a young signal-caller’s growth.
For Josh Dobbs, this marks another inflection point in one of the NFL’s most distinctive journeyman careers. Drafted in the fourth round by Pittsburgh in 2017, he is now potentially heading to his seventh team. His stints with the Steelers, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots have been brief and often defined by emergency starter roles. His stat line with the Patriots—7 of 10 passes for 65 yards across four games—is a microcosm of his career: serviceable in small doses, but never enough to claim a lasting role. His expertise as a mobile, short-yardage specialist will surely attract another team in need of a veteran emergency QB, but his path to a starting job continues to fade.
This move also subtly addresses a larger team-building philosophy for the Patriots. By committing to DeVito and moving on from Dobbs, they are signaling a vote of confidence in their own younger players and the system they are building around Maye. It’s a bet on continuity and internal development over veteran patchwork. Furthermore, it highlights a clear priority: every available resource—roster spot, cap dollar, practice reps—is now laser-focused on maximizing the Drake Maye era and surrounding him with consistent, known quantities.
While the Patriots also announced the signings of offensive tackle James Hudson III and cornerback Kindle Vildor, the quarterback decision is the pivotal narrative. It directly answers the question of who will be on the sideline, helmet in hand, if Maye is ever forced to leave a game. That answer is now Tommy DeVito, and the organization is putting its money where its mouth is.
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