The New England Patriots continued to tinker with their roster in the third week of the NFL’s new league year. That led to them releasing quarterback Joshua Dobbs before signing free agent offensive tackle James Hudson.
Let’s break down what the moves mean for the team from a big-picture perspective.
OT James Hudson III: Signed
Swing tackle depth: The Patriots have seen their offensive tackle depth diminish this offseason. Backup left tackle Vederian Lowe, who started four games last season in place of Will Campbell, departed
in free agency to the San Francisco 49ers. Right tackle Thayer Munford remains unsigned after undergoing offseason surgery. That left just 2025 seventh-round draft pick Marcus Bryant and practice squad players Lorenz Metz and Sebastian Gutierrez on the depth chart.
Hudson now joins the group behind Campbell and veteran Morgan Moses with 60 games of experience (19 starts) in the NFL. Those have come at both tackle spots as his addition provides New England a true backup swing tackle.
Minimal commitment: Signing in the third week of free agency, Hudson’s one-year contract is a veteran salary benefit deal that reduces his salary-cap hit to a salary typically around $1 million. That highlights how Hudson’s roster spot is no guarantee, especially as the Patriots will likely continue to target the tackle position in the NFL Draft next month, perhaps with the goal of finding a potential long-term successor to 35-year old Morgan Moses.
More familiarity: In a reoccurring theme this offseason, New England’s coaching staff and front office has previous familiarity with Hudson. Mike Vrabel worked closely with the offensive tackle during his year as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns in 2024. Hudson played the first four years of his career in Cleveland after being selected in the fourth-round out of the University of Cincinnati — where he was coached by Vrabel’s close friend Luke Fickell.
QB Joshua Dobbs: Released
DeVito’s elevation: After being claimed off of waivers during last year’s roster cutdown day, Tommy DeVito went on to serve as New England’s emergency third quarterback behind Drake Maye and Dobbs all of last season. DeVito, who re-signed on a two-year, $7.4 million this offseason, is now thrusted into the primary backup role entering 2026 behind Maye.
“A lot [of growth]. I think that’s a tough proposition to have, is just coming in at the end of training camp and trying to get acclimated offensively,” head coach Mike Vrabel said of DeVito near the end of the season. “To his credit, he’s done a really nice job, works with guys and receivers on Mondays, maybe guys that are on the practice squad or that didn’t play in the game… I have enjoyed the time here with Tommy.”
Cap calculation: Dobbs was set to enter the final season of the two-year contract he signed in free agency last offseason — which carried no remaining guaranteed money. That made the release not a complete surprise. Making the move frees up roughly $3 million in cap space for the Patriots while avoiding Dobbs’ $3.7 million cash payout.
In comparison, Dobbs’ cap hit for 2025 was set to be $4.75 million while DeVito’s will be $1.55 million.
New 3rd QB: With just Maye and DeVito on the depth chart, it should be expected the Patriots add a third arm to the mix at least through training camp. It would not be a surprise if that addition is a rookie through either the draft or undrafted free agency, as Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf comes from a Packers’ franchise that routinely drafted the position every other season to keep the pipeline fresh.
