49ers Bolster Quarterback Depth with Joshua Dobbs on Board

The San Francisco 49ers have made a strategic move to strengthen their quarterback lineup by signing veteran QB Joshua Dobbs to a one-year deal. This acquisition is a clear indication of the team’s commitment to building a robust and competitive roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

Joshua Dobbs, standing at 6-3 and weighing 220 pounds, brings a wealth of experience to the 49ers. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Dobbs has had a journeyman’s career, contributing to several teams including the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings. Over his seven-year NFL tenure, he has appeared in 21 games, starting 14, and has completed 312 of 502 passing attempts, which translates to a 62.2% completion rate. He has thrown for 2,920 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his capability as a reliable quarterback.

The 2023 season was particularly noteworthy for Dobbs, as he appeared in a career-high 13 games, starting 12, and completed 262 of 417 passing attempts for 2,464 yards and 13 touchdowns. His performance was especially impressive during his stint with the Arizona Cardinals, where he stepped in for an injured Kyler Murray. Later in the season, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings to cover for an injured Kirk Cousins, where he led a memorable come-from-behind victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

“Joshua Dobbs Browns 2023 Camp” by Erik Drost is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Dobbs’ collegiate achievements are equally impressive. As a University of Tennessee alum, he played in 37 games, starting 35, and completed 614 of 999 passing attempts for 7,138 yards and 53 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities with 438 carries for 2,160 yards and 32 touchdowns. His performance earned him the title of 2016 AP Second-Team All-SEC recipient.

Dobbs’ contract with the 49ers includes $2.25 million in fully-guaranteed money and an additional $750,000 in playtime-based incentives, as reported by NFL Media. This deal reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities and the potential value he brings to the quarterback position.

The 29-year-old quarterback will be competing with 31-year-old Brandon Allen for the backup quarterback spot behind Brock Purdy. Allen was part of the 49ers roster last year but did not see game action, as Purdy and Sam Darnold took all the snaps. With Darnold’s departure to the Vikings, the competition for the QB2 role is set to be one of the intriguing storylines of the 49ers’ offseason.

The 49ers’ signing of Dobbs is a testament to their proactive approach in ensuring depth and experience in their quarterback room. As the team looks to build on their status as the defending NFC champions, the addition of Dobbs could prove to be a significant piece in their quest for success in the upcoming season.