Former Vikings QB Rental Lands New Contract

In 2023, Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered an achilles tear in week 8 vs the Green Bay Packers. At the time, Kirk was the ironman of NFL quarterbacks, and the Vikings did not employ a reliable backup option.

The only two rostered quarterbacks at the time were 2018 undrafted free agent and career backup, Nick Mullens, and then 5th round rookie draft pick, Jaren Hall, who was nowhere near ready for the moment. So, then second year GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hit the trade market, in a desperate attempt to save the season.

After a couple days of shopping the mid-season QB trade market, the Minnesota Vikings landed Josh Dobbs in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. In his first week on the active roster, and the Vikings first game since Cousins’ devastating achilles injury, Dobbs replaced Hall in Atlanta, after the rookie was knocked out of the game during the Vikings’ first drive.

Despite having virtually no time to learn the playbook or even the names of his teammates, Josh Dobbs responded with a superhero performance when the MN Vikings needed him most. While Dobbs’ couldn’t help the purple get to the playoffs that season, he certainly elevated his stature in the league, which he has parlayed into multiple opportunities since.

Minnesota Vikings favorite Josh Dobbs lands with New England Patriots

On Monday, during the first day of the 2025 NFL negotiating period, Dobbs found his home for what appears to be the next two seasons, signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, to sit behind 2024 No. 3 overall pick, Drake Maye. This after spending 2024 in San Francisco.

Last season with the 49ers, Dobbs played in just two games, and didn’t get a start. He did happen to throw for 361 yards on 32-of-47 passing (68.1%) completion rate, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

After being acquired from the Cardinals in 2023, Dobbs posted a 2-2 record with the Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 895 yards on 62.9% passing with 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Josh’s legs proved to be an asset with the Vikings. He rushed 30 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

Ultimately the MN Vikings went back to Nick Mullens at the end of the season and then saw him leave in free agency. The Passtronaut was a fun story, but he had run his course and the quarterback position was going to be turned over.

How does Dobbs fit in New England?

Dobbs’ fit in New England is interesting. Drake Maye is the present and future there. Mike Vrabel was recently hired as the new head coach. They also have veteran Jacoby Brissett and second-year talent Joe Milton. The former Tennessee product was seen as an intriguing development option, but he would seem to be on the outs after being taken in the sixth round last season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Signing New Pro Bowl Center

It’s hard to imagine Dobbs having much more of an impact on games throughout the rest of his career. Still, the 30-year-old continues to get opportunities and has now made just under $10 million professionally. That’s certainly nothing to shake your head at.