It’s been assumed that Joshua Dobbs would serve as Drake Maye‘s primary backup in 2025, but the veteran quarterback may not have a roster spot secure. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Dobbs is not a “lock” to make the Patriots roster.
As Volin notes, Dobbs has struggled during training camp and the preseason. He completed only five of his 12 pass attempts in the preseason opener, and he followed that up with two pick-6s during joint practices with the Vikings. Those performances prompted coach Mike Vrabel to admit that the veteran “has to be more consistent.”
Further, Dobbs doesn’t have any prior experience to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, so it’s not like the veteran can help Maye with installing the new system. Plus, the backup is attached to only a $1.7MM salary for the 2025 campaign, so there aren’t any financial hurdles that would accompany his release.
Of course, there are also a handful of things working in Dobbs’ favor. For starters, the rest of the team’s depth consists of UDFA Ben Wooldridge. Dobbs brings more experience than many backup QBs, as the 30-year-old has garnered 15 starts across seven years in the NFL (including one last year with the 49ers). He also looked much better in the team’s second preseason game, completing 11 of 16 passes for 106 yards and a score.
More notes out of New England…
- While rookie Jared Wilson once seemed prime to open the season as the Patriots left guard, that may no longer be the case. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald notes that Ben Brown has seemed to pass his rookie teammate at the position, and the veteran garnered the starting spot during the team’s second preseason contest. Brown struggled in 10 starts at center for the Patriots in 2024, but the team’s lack of OL depth may mean they don’t have a better choice.
- Much has been made of the tough decisions the Patriots will face at the wide receiver position, and an unexpected name has quickly inserted themselves into the picture. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, UDFA Efton Chism has likely played his way on to the 53-man roster. The Eastern Washington product has been a standout this preseason, hauling in 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Chism making the roster would seemingly push Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker off the squad.