New England's QB Room: A DeVito Bet and a Dobbs Dump

Look, the Patriots quarterback situation has been a mess since Tom Brady left. We all know that. But word coming out of Foxborough today, that New England plans to release Joshua Dobbs and elevate Tommy DeVito to QB2, well, that's something else. They signed Dobbs just last week, on April 11th, to a one-year, $2.25 million deal. Now he’s out the door before rookie minicamp even starts. This move tells you a lot about where the Pats are at, and none of it feels particularly stable.

Thing is, Dobbs has bounced around for a reason. He started 12 games last year, throwing for 2,216 yards, but also tossing 10 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. His QBR was a paltry 43.1. He had that brief moment of magic in Arizona after being traded from the Cardinals to the Vikings on October 31st, leading them to a couple of wins, but the wheels came off fast. By December 3rd against the Raiders, he was benched after completing just 10 of 23 passes for 138 yards and no scores. The Patriots probably saw the full tape, not just the highlights. Maybe they even saw enough in practice this past week to decide he wasn't the right fit for what they're trying to build with Drake Maye.

And what they're trying to build looks a whole lot like a trial by fire for Maye, who they took third overall in the 2024 draft. Elevating DeVito to the primary backup role is a statement, a clear indication they’re not looking for a seasoned veteran to push the rookie. They want a guy who knows the system, or at least spent time in it, to be ready if Maye gets hurt. DeVito, "Tommy Cutlets" himself, started six games for the Giants last season. He completed 64% of his passes for 1,108 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. He even led the Giants to a 3-3 record in those starts, including that upset win over the Packers at home on December 11th where he threw for 158 yards and a score. The guy showed some moxie, some ability to escape pressure. He wasn't afraid.

Here's the thing: while Dobbs has more NFL starts, DeVito has a higher ceiling as a backup. He’s younger, at 25, compared to Dobbs’ 29. He played under former Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who ran a system with some West Coast elements that new Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt also uses. That familiarity probably played a bigger role than anyone’s letting on. The Patriots are going all-in on developing Maye, and having a backup who isn't a threat to his job, but can still run a similar offense, makes sense. It’s about continuity, even if it’s continuity with a guy who was undrafted.

This move also signals a commitment to their current quarterback room, which includes veteran Jacoby Brissett. Brissett, signed back on March 11th to a one-year, $8 million deal, is clearly seen as the bridge starter, or at least the steady hand while Maye gets up to speed. Dobbs was just a stopgap, a potential camp body who didn't even make it to camp. Frankly, I think Brissett is a better option than Dobbs ever was, given his 48 career starts and 101 passing touchdowns. Brissett’s a pro, he’s been in this league a long time, and he’s played for the Patriots before. He gives them a floor.

My hot take? This is a smart, if brutal, decision. Dobbs was never going to be a long-term answer, and the Patriots realized quickly he wasn't even a short-term solution for what they needed. DeVito might not be a superstar, but he showed last year he can operate an NFL offense in a pinch and win some games. He's also probably cheaper. This whole situation just screams "Trust the Process" from Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, and that process involves giving Maye every opportunity to succeed without veteran noise.

The Patriots will open the season with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback, but by Week 6, Drake Maye will be under center, and DeVito will be holding the clipboard.