Lions sign veteran QB Joshua Dobbs to back up after Bridgewater retirement
Detroit adds Josh Dobbs on a one-year deal as the No. 2 quarterback following Teddy Bridgewater's retirement
The Detroit Lions have found their insurance behind Jared Goff. Detroit is signing veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million deal that includes $475,000 fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The move comes after Teddy Bridgewater's retirement left a hole at the No. 2 spot on Detroit's depth chart. Dobbs, a respected locker-room presence and former UFL standout, represents a meaningful commitment to the backup role rather than a stopgap.
"The #Lions are signing veteran Josh Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475k fully guaranteed, sources tell me and @RapSheet. It’s a significant commitment to Dobbs as the No. 2 quarterback after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement."View on X →
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): "The #Lions are signing veteran Josh Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475k fully guaranteed, sources tell me and @RapSheet. It’s a significant commitment to Dobbs as the No. 2 quarterback after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement."
Detroit worked out multiple quarterbacks before landing on Dobbs, including former Saints passer Jake Haener and UFL MVP Jack Plummer, but ultimately signed the more established veteran. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler later confirmed the Lions made the signing official.
"League transactions: *Dolphins trade a 2029 seventh-round pick to New England for OT Caedan Wallace and a 2028 sixth-round pick. *Bears sign veteran receiver Ray-Ray McCloud *Lions make Josh Dobbs signing official."View on X →
Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN): "League transactions: *Dolphins trade a 2029 seventh-round pick to New England for OT Caedan Wallace and a 2028 sixth-round pick. *Bears sign veteran receiver Ray-Ray McCloud *Lions make Josh Dobbs signing official."
Dobbs gives the Lions a credible option should Goff miss time, and his experience in multiple systems should ease the transition into Detroit's offense. The contract keeps him in the building through the 2026 season.