Patriots Restructure Quarterback Room as Training Camp Progresses
The New England Patriots have made significant changes to their quarterback roster this offseason, a decision spearheaded by head coach Mike Vrabel. As part of a broader organizational restructuring, the Patriots have shifted their focus to new players behind starter Drake Maye, notably bringing in veteran Joshua Dobbs and undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge.
Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett was not retained during free agency, and third-string quarterback Joe Milton was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. In their places, the Patriots signed Dobbs, who has experience from eight different teams over eight NFL seasons, and added Wooldridge to the mix. Their respective arrival timelines have established their positions on the depth chart, with Dobbs currently occupying the backup role and Wooldridge positioned as a developing third-string option.
As training camp reaches its midpoint, the hierarchy among the quarterbacks remains unchanged. According to Vrabel, there are no immediate plans to alter the depth chart, despite some recent struggles from Dobbs. “Josh is the backup right now,” Vrabel stated prior to a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings. “Not that that couldn’t change. You know, Ben’s working hard, and we’ll see.”
Dobbs, who joined the Patriots in March on a two-year, $8 million contract, was brought in primarily to support Maye as a seasoned mentor. His familiarity with Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee likely played a role in his acquisition. However, his performance in recent outings has raised questions about his effectiveness as a reliable backup.
In the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, Dobbs completed only 5 of 12 passes for 45 yards, showcasing issues with accuracy. His performance continued to falter during the first day of joint practices against the Vikings, where he threw two interceptions, one of which would have resulted in a touchdown for the opposing team.
Vrabel addressed these concerns directly, emphasizing the need for consistency in Dobbs’ play. “Josh just has to be more consistent,” he noted. “Had an unfortunate interception in a two-minute drill and throwing it into robber, 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. Just saying we have to take care of football.”
While Wooldridge has shown improvement in practice, his limited opportunities compared to Dobbs and Maye mean he is not currently in contention for the backup role. The Patriots’ depth chart at quarterback remains stable for the time being, as Vrabel and his coaching staff continue to assess their options and prepare for the upcoming season.
As the team progresses through training camp, the competition among quarterbacks will be closely monitored, particularly as the Patriots strive to strengthen their roster ahead of the regular season.
