Tommy DeVito forced Patriots’ hand at quarterback, says Eliot Wolf

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Tommy DeVito #16 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Even though Drake Maye finished second in NFL MVP voting in 2025, the New England Patriots entered the offseason facing questions at the quarterback position. Obviously, there were no doubts about Maye’s status as the starter, but the backup spots behind him remained in a state of fluidity.

The first domino to fall was restricted free agent Tommy DeVito, who was retained via a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension. While that decision seemingly locked him into the QB3 spot behind Maye and veteran backup Joshua Dobbs, it actually set the stage for a second move: Dobbs getting released.

Speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Monday, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf explained what led to that decision.

“It was really less about Josh specifically and more about the development and growth that we saw from Tommy DeVito in his practice reps last year,” Wolf said. “He was, as Josh was as well, a great resource for Drake.”

DeVito joined the Patriots as a waiver claim in late August 2025, after he was let go by the New York Giants. He went on to spend the entire season as the third-string quarterback behind Maye and Dobbs, and as such was made inactive for all 21 regular season and playoff games.

For comparison, Dobbs was part of the game day roster every week and ended up playing 44 snaps while going 7-for-10 for 65 total yards. Most of his production came in end-of-game situations in lopsided contests, but he also completed his lone pass attempt in a competitive setting in Week 7 against Tennessee.

And yet, DeVito’s work behind the scenes convinced the Patriots to keep working with him and to elevate him into the QB2 spot in place of Dobbs. Whether he will remain there will be seen, but the team is looking to add another passer to the equation.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said so at the NFL annual meeting earlier this month, and Wolf echoed those remarks on Monday.

“We’ve evaluated all the quarterbacks. We’re continuing to do that. We’re looking at some pro options as well,” Wolf said. “We’ll continue to evaluate the position, whether that’s draft, a pro free agent, a college free agent or however it ends up falling.”