Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs is set to continue his career in the NFC.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a one-year deal with the seasoned journeyman quarterback. The contract is valued at $2.25 million in guarantees, with the potential for Dobbs to earn an additional $750,000 through incentives, as disclosed by the NFL insider.
After limited appearances in just eight games between 2018 and 2022, 29-year-old Joshua Dobbs found himself with significant playing time across two teams last season. He stepped into the role of starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals for eight games while their primary QB, Kyler Murray, recovered from surgery on a torn ACL sustained late in 2022.
In a twist of fate, with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins sidelined for the season due to a torn Achilles, the Minnesota Vikings made a move to acquire Dobbs. The Vikings received Dobbs and a 2024 seventh-round pick from Arizona in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick heading the other way.
Dobbs made a promising debut in Minnesota, securing victories in his first two games against formidable playoff contenders, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. However, his performance faltered in the subsequent three games, marked by two touchdowns and five interceptions. In response to this downturn, head coach Kevin O’Connell made the decision to name Nick Mullens as the starting quarterback moving forward.
Despite the quarterback change, the situation did not improve for O’Connell and the Vikings. Their season concluded with a disappointing 7-10 record, leading to their absence from the postseason for the third time in four years.
In a rapid series of developments, the 49ers and Vikings effectively exchanged quarterbacks without a formal trade agreement within a matter of days. Last week, the Vikings secured the services of Sam Darnold, who previously served as Brock Purdy’s backup, signing him to a lucrative one-year deal worth $10 million.
Shortly thereafter, the 49ers made a move to acquire the former Minnesota backup, Joshua Dobbs, to fill the void left by Darnold as the QB2 on their depth chart. While Dobbs is set to back up Purdy in San Francisco, the possibility remains that Darnold could begin the 2024 season as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.
Throughout his career as a starter, Joshua Dobbs has accrued a record of 3 wins, 11 losses, and 0 ties. He boasts a completion rate of 62.2%, amassing a total of 2,920 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Additionally, Dobbs has showcased his versatility by accumulating 496 rushing yards and scoring six rushing touchdowns.
