What Happened to Robert Joshua Dobbs?
Josh Dobbs is an American professional football quarterback known for his journeyman NFL career and his background in aerospace engineering. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, he has played for numerous teams, often stepping in as a stop-gap starter, and most recently signed with the Detroit Lions in August 2026 for his second stint with the team.
Quick Answer
Josh Dobbs, often dubbed 'the Passtronaut' due to his aerospace engineering degree, is currently a quarterback for the Detroit Lions, having signed a one-year deal with the team on August 9, 2026. This marks his second tenure with the Lions and his ninth NFL team in ten seasons. He spent the 2025 season as the backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, appearing in four games, before being released in March 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Alpharetta, Georgia
Robert Joshua Dobbs was born in Alpharetta, Georgia.
College Career at University of Tennessee
Dobbs played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he also earned a degree in aerospace engineering.
Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
Joshua Dobbs was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
NFL Debut with Steelers
Dobbs made his NFL debut in Week 5 of the 2018 season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Traded to Jacksonville Jaguars
Dobbs was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Re-claimed by Pittsburgh Steelers
After being waived by the Jaguars, Dobbs was claimed off waivers by the Steelers, marking his second stint with the team.
Signed by Tennessee Titans (after Browns/Lions stints)
After signing with the Cleveland Browns and a brief practice squad tenure with the Detroit Lions, Dobbs was signed by the Tennessee Titans.
Traded to Arizona Cardinals, became starter
Dobbs was traded to the Arizona Cardinals and subsequently named their starting quarterback for the beginning of the 2023 season.
Traded to Minnesota Vikings
Mid-season, Dobbs was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he again stepped into a starting role due to injuries.
Signed with San Francisco 49ers
Dobbs signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, serving primarily as a third-string quarterback.
Signed with New England Patriots
Dobbs signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the New England Patriots to be the backup quarterback.
Released by New England Patriots
After one season as backup, Dobbs was released by the Patriots.
Signed with Detroit Lions
Dobbs signed a one-year, $1.425 million contract with the Detroit Lions, becoming the backup quarterback after Teddy Bridgewater's retirement. This marks his second stint with the Lions.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert Joshua Dobbs, born on January 26, 1995, carved out a unique path in professional football, balancing an NFL career with a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee. His journey began in the 2017 NFL Draft when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fourth round as the 135th overall pick. Initially serving as a backup, Dobbs made his NFL debut in 2018.
Dobbs' career has been characterized by frequent team changes, earning him the 'journeyman' label. After his first stint with the Steelers, he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, only to return to Pittsburgh in 2020. The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw him bounce between multiple franchises, including the Cleveland Browns, a brief practice squad stint with the Detroit Lions, the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings. A significant turning point came in 2023 when he started eight games for the Cardinals, leading them to an upset victory over the undefeated Dallas Cowboys, before being traded to the Vikings where he also saw starting action.
In March 2024, Dobbs signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, primarily serving as a third-string quarterback. He saw limited action, including a start in the season finale after an injury to Brock Purdy. The following year, on March 18, 2025, Dobbs inked a two-year, $8 million deal with the New England Patriots, where he served as the backup to Drake Maye. During the 2025 season, he played sparingly in four games, completing seven of ten passes for 65 yards.
His tenure with the Patriots concluded on March 23, 2026, when he was released. However, Dobbs quickly found a new home. On August 9, 2026, he signed a one-year, $1.425 million contract with the Detroit Lions, including $475,000 guaranteed. This move came shortly after backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater announced his retirement, positioning Dobbs as the primary backup to Jared Goff. As of August 14, 2026, Dobbs is preparing for the 2026-27 NFL season with the Lions, marking his ninth team in ten professional seasons.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert Joshua Dobbs made different choices?