Patriots Release Joshua Dobbs: Packers and Jets Among Teams Eyeing Veteran QB for Backup Role
March 23, 2026
The New England Patriots released veteran backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, making him a free agent likely to land multiple backup roles this season.
Dobbs was set to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026 with a $4.75 million cap hit, while DeVito signed a two-year deal with a base value of $4.4 million that could reach $7.4 million with incentives.
Dobbs appeared in four games in 2025, throwing for 65 yards on 7 of 10 passes, including a late-game completion in a win over the Titans.
If Green Bay does not trade for Anthony Richardson and backs Jordan Love with Dobbs, his starting experience could be attractive to the Packers as a reliable emergency option.
The Packers, Jets, and other teams are expected to pursue additional quarterback targets to round out their rooms behind starting and developing options.
Love’s durability is noted, but his four missed games in the past two seasons underscores the need for a dependable backup in a playoff-caliber NFC North.
A daily Boston sports recap accompanies the piece, providing context on the local sports scene.
Dobbs’s experience and locker-room presence could make him a strong fit for the Packers, potentially making Green Bay the most aggressive suitor after Willis’s departure.
Dobbs is portrayed as a realistic, immediately usable backup option, aligning with teams like the Jets that have shown interest in mobile, playmaking quarterbacks.
The article analyzes the strategic fit and potential impact of adding Dobbs to reinforce backup depth at quarterback.
Dobbs could fit multiple teams, with speculation he may land with one of four potential destinations, though no exact landing spot is named.
Dobbs could return to Cleveland and push for the starting job in a Todd Monken offense, should the opportunity arise.
Summary based on 21 sources
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Sources

ESPN • Mar 23, 2026
Patriots to release Dobbs, bumping DeVito to QB2, sources say - ESPN
iHeart • Mar 23, 2026
Patriots Make Change To Quarterback Depth Chart
The Boston Globe • Mar 23, 2026
Patriots releasing backup QB Joshua Dobbs after one season