Mike Vrabel continues reshaping his roster ahead of the 2026 season. In some cases, that has meant releasing players that few would have expected to leave the franchise, but all indications suggest the organization is determined to take a different direction moving forward.
There is still considerable discussion surrounding the potential arrival of AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Although negotiations appear highly complicated, the Patriots continue to pursue the possibility of adding the star wide receiver to their roster.
With Drake Maye now fully established in his second year with the team after reaching the Super Bowl, certain players no longer have a place within the organization. Despite attempts to find trade opportunities for some of them, the lack of interest from other franchises has ultimately led to their release.
Quarterback Josh Dobbs is released in New England
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported, citing multiple sources, that quarterback Josh Dobbs has been released after the team was unable to find a trade partner willing to acquire him.
- Games played: 4
- Completed passes: 7 of 10 attempts
- Passing yards: 65 total yards
- Touchdowns: 0 touchdowns / 0 interceptions
- Passer rating: 87.5
- Rushing attempts: 10 carries for a total of -5 yards
- Sacks taken: 0
The reality is that Dobbs was not considered an essential piece for the team, and he will now need to seek a new opportunity if he wishes to continue his career in the NFL.
Josh Dobbs’ journey in the NFL
With his departure from the Patriots, Josh Dobbs adds another franchise to his already extensive NFL experience, much of it as a backup quarterback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: (2017-2019) – Drafted by the team
- Jacksonville Jaguars: (2019) – Acquired via trade
- Pittsburgh Steelers: (2020-2021) – Second stint after being claimed off waivers
- Cleveland Browns: (2022) – Free agency / Preseason
- Detroit Lions: (2022) – Practice squad
- Tennessee Titans: (2022) – Signed as a starter late in the season
- Cleveland Browns: (2023) – Second stint / Preseason (traded before the start)
- Arizona Cardinals: (2023) – Starter during the first half of the season
- Minnesota Vikings: (2023) – Acquired via trade following Kirk Cousins’ injury
- San Francisco 49ers: (2024) – Backup to Brock Purdy
- New England Patriots: (2025-2026) – Backup to Drake Maye
Dobbs now enters the market as a veteran option with experience across multiple systems.
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