Ex-Pats QB Torches Franchise: ‘Very Frustrating’ Exit Exposed
Joshua Dobbs Speaks Out: How the Patriots’ Timing Hurt His Offseason
The Big Picture
Imagine you’re looking for a new job. You’re ready to start immediately, but your old company keeps you waiting for weeks while they try to "trade" you to another department. By the time they finally let you go, all the good positions at other companies have already been filled. That’s essentially what happened to NFL quarterback Joshua Dobbs this past offseason.
Dobbs, a 31-year-old veteran quarterback who recently signed with the Detroit Lions, didn’t hold back when talking about his experience with the New England Patriots. He called their handling of his departure "very frustrating" — and for good reason.
Why the Timing Mattered So Much
Important Point: In the NFL, timing is everything — especially for backup quarterbacks.
Here’s what happened, step by step:
- Free agency opens — This is when teams can sign new players. It’s like a giant hiring fair.
- Patriots keep Dobbs — Instead of releasing him right away, they tried to trade him to get something (like a draft pick) in return.
- Weeks pass — No trade happens. Two weeks go by.
- Other teams fill their needs — By the time Dobbs is released, most teams have already hired their backup quarterbacks.
- Dobbs misses OTAs — He doesn’t get to participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) — structured practices where players learn the playbook, build chemistry with teammates, and work with coaches.
Think of OTAs like orientation at a new job. You learn the systems, meet your coworkers, and practice how things work. Missing them puts you behind before you even start.
Dobbs’ Journey: The Ultimate NFL Traveler
Joshua Dobbs isn’t new to uncertainty. In fact, he’s practically a pro at it.
Teams Dobbs Has Played For:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (where he started)
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cleveland Browns
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
- Minnesota Vikings
- San Francisco 49ers
- New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions (current team — second stint!)
The "Passtronaut" Story
In 2023, the Vikings traded for Dobbs after their starter, Kirk Cousins, got hurt. Dobbs had just arrived — but days later, he led Minnesota to a win over the Atlanta Falcons. How? He learns playbooks fast.
His secret weapon? He has a degree in aerospace engineering — yes, actual rocket science. That earned him the nickname "Passtronaut."
He Knows the Business — But Process Matters
Dobbs isn’t naive. He understands:
- Teams cut players.
- Teams trade players.
- It’s a business.
But his issue wasn’t that he was released — it was how and when.
"I know how this works. I’ve been traded, released, signed on short notice. But the way New England handled it — the delay — that was the problem."
This makes his criticism carry more weight. He’s not complaining about the outcome. He’s calling out the process.
Fresh Start in Detroit
Now with the Lions, Dobbs gets a clean slate.
Why Detroit Is a Good Fit:
- Experienced backup behind starter Jared Goff
- Mobility — he can move in the pocket and run if needed
- Proven starter — has real regular-season wins
- Quick learner — his "Passtronaut" skill helps him catch up fast
The Lions gain a quarterback who can step in immediately if needed — something not every backup can do.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
| Patriots’ Perspective | Dobbs’ Perspective |
|---|---|
| Wanted value (trade asset) for a player they didn’t need long-term | Needed to find a team early to get practice reps |
| Had Drake Maye as franchise QB — no room for Dobbs | Missed OTAs = missed learning time |
| Within their rights to wait for a trade | Frustrated by preventable delay |
Bottom line: Both sides acted within the rules. But rules don’t always feel fair — especially when your career window is closing.
Summary
- Joshua Dobbs criticized the Patriots for delaying his release until two weeks into free agency.
- The delay meant other teams had already filled backup QB spots, limiting his options.
- He missed OTAs — critical practice time for learning a new offense.
- Dobbs has played for 9 NFL teams and is known as the "Passtronaut" for his aerospace engineering degree and quick learning.
- He now joins the Detroit Lions as a veteran backup with starting experience.
- The situation highlights the human side of NFL roster decisions — where timing can make or break a player’s preparation.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What are OTAs, and why do they matter?
OTAs (Organized Team Activities) are voluntary but expected offseason practices. For quarterbacks, they’re crucial for learning the playbook, building timing with receivers, and earning coaches’ trust. Missing them is like skipping the first month of school.
2. Why didn’t the Patriots just release Dobbs earlier?
They hoped to trade him and get a draft pick or player in return. Teams often hold players to see if trade interest develops — but it doesn’t always work out.
3. How many teams has Dobbs played for?
Nine — Steelers, Jaguars, Browns, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, Patriots, and Lions (twice!).
4. Why is he called "Passtronaut"?
He has a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee. In 2023, he learned the Vikings’ offense in days and won a game — so fans combined "passer" + "astronaut" = Passtronaut.
5. Is Dobbs a starter for the Lions?
No. He’s the backup to Jared Goff. But he’s one of the most experienced, ready-to-play backups in the league — which is exactly what contending teams want.
"In this league, you control what you can. I couldn’t control when they let me go. But I controlled how I prepared. Now I’m in Detroit, ready to work."
— Joshua Dobbs