The Patriots are planning to release backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs after being unable to find a trade partner, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Dobbs was subject of trade rumors after New England re-signed third stringer Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal worth $4.4 million, with 2026 guaranteed, earlier this month.
Dobbs signed a two-year, $8 million contract with New England last year.
His release will save the Patriots $3.7 million in cap space.
DeVito, 27, was the Patriots’ third quarterback in 2025 behind Drake Maye and Dobbs, and he did not appear in a game last season.
DeVito was a fan favorite with the Giants while playing 12 games in 2023 and 2024 — completing 145-of-222 passes for 1,358 yards and eight touchdowns to three interceptions.
He was pushed out of the QB room last offseason with the Giants signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, while drafting Jaxson Dart.
Dobbs, 31, made four appearances for New England in 2025, completing seven of his 10 pass attempts for 65 yards.
The Patriots will likely look for a third and fourth option as they retool their quarterback room.
The NFL free agency market for veteran quarterbacks includes Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson.
Dobbs, a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2017 NFL draft, has bounced around the league, previously playing with the Titans, Cardinals, Vikings and 49ers.
