Former Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs reportedly lands new NFL opportunity
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Detroit Lions have an opening in their quarterback room. So they’re turning to a familiar face.
Former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs is returning to Detroit, according to a report from NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. The news comes following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement.
The #Lions are signing veteran Josh Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475k fully guaranteed, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 9, 2026
It’s a significant commitment to Dobbs as the No. 2 quarterback after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement. pic.twitter.com/UjQ8lUBXB4
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Dobbs has some familiarity with the Lions. He was briefly on the club’s practice squad in December 2022. The Cleveland Browns had waived Dobbs on Nov. 28, and Detroit signed him on Dec. 5. Two weeks later, the Tennessee Titans signed Dobbs off Detroit’s practice squad to their active roster.
The 2026 season is the 10th year of Dobbs’ professional career. A well-traveled journeyman, Dobbs has appeared in 27 regular-season NFL games, making 15 starts. He has completed 62.8% of his passes for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also has 8 career rushing TDs.
Dobbs saw the most action of his career in 2023 when he logged 12 starts over 13 games with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. He spent the 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers (2 appearances, 1 start) and 2025 with the New England Patriots (4 appearances). He was released by the Patriots in March.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
