The New England Patriots have finalized their quarterback depth chart for the upcoming season, confirming that veteran Joshua Dobbs will serve as the primary backup to starter Drake Maye. Head coach Mike Vrabel stated that the team’s current quarterback structure remains unchanged as training camp progresses.
This offseason, the Patriots underwent significant changes in their quarterback room. Veteran backup Jacoby Brissett was not re-signed, and third-string quarterback Joe Milton was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. To fill these gaps, the franchise signed Dobbs in March on a two-year, $8 million contract and later added undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge.
Dobbs’ Performance Under Scrutiny
Upon joining the Patriots, Dobbs was expected to provide mentorship to Maye, drawing on his experience across eight NFL seasons and previous time under Vrabel in Tennessee. However, his on-field performance has raised concerns. In the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, Dobbs went just 5-for-12 for 45 yards, leaving several opportunities uncapitalized due to inconsistent accuracy.
During the Patriots’ recent joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings, Dobbs encountered further difficulties. He threw two interceptions, including one that would have been a pick-six in actual game conditions. Despite these challenges, Vrabel reaffirmed Dobbs’ position as the backup quarterback, emphasizing the need for improvement.
“Josh just has to be more consistent,” Vrabel stated. “He had an unfortunate interception in a two-minute drill, and ball placement has to be better. He’s getting the same looks that Drake’s getting, and it’s not easy, but that’s not an excuse.”
Wooldridge’s Development and Future Prospects
While Wooldridge has shown promise in practice, he has not yet had the same opportunities as Dobbs or Maye to demonstrate his skills under pressure. The 25-year-old rookie has made strides but remains behind in the depth chart, mainly due to his limited exposure to high-quality reps.
As training camp continues, the Patriots are focused on strengthening their roster daily. For now, the depth chart reflects Dobbs’ experience and established position, but the competition remains open as the season approaches. With ongoing evaluations, the Patriots will look for consistent performances from all quarterbacks to solidify their game plan.
As the team gears up for the regular season, maintaining a strong quarterback lineup will be crucial for the Patriots’ success in the coming months.