Quarterback was the No. 1 need for the New England Patriots last offseason. Fortunately for them, they addressed that splendidly by drafting Drake Maye, who flashed his potential as a bona fide franchise quarterback over his rookie season. Fast-forward a year, however, and the team is still making sure it deepens that position group by signing veteran Joshua Dobbs, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.

As for the particulars of the deal, NFL Media reports that Dobbs signed a two-year, $8 million contract with New England that includes $3.8 million fully guaranteed.

With Maye entrenched as QB1, Dobbs should be seen as a candidate to be his primary backup. Coming into free agency, the Patriots had Jacoby Brissett – the team’s Week 1 starter a year ago – entering free agency, leaving Maye and fellow 2024 rookie Joe Milton as the only two signal-callers on the roster. Not only does Dobbs give the position group more depth, but he also brings veteran experience that both Maye and Milton currently lack.

DOBBS’ arrival may also fuel speculation about a potential trade of Milton – who impressed in Week 18 – as there had already been prior reports that New England could seek to move him this offseason.