Patriots' QB Room: DeVito's Strange Ascension and Mayo's First Big Gamble
Look, when Jerod Mayo stepped into Bill Belichick's old office, everyone knew changes were coming. But few probably had "Tommy DeVito, Patriots backup quarterback" on their bingo card. Yet here we are. The team is reportedly cutting Joshua Dobbs, a guy who started eight games last year split between Arizona and Minnesota, throwing for 2,216 yards and 13 touchdowns. Now, the backup job behind Drake Maye is apparently DeVito's.
This is a wild turn for Dobbs, who just signed a one-year deal with New England in February. He completed 62.8% of his passes in 2023, often stepping in cold and making plays. Remember that Monday night game against the Bears where he led the Vikings to a 12-10 win just five days after joining the team? That's the kind of experience you usually want in a QB2, especially behind a rookie like Maye. Instead, the Patriots are rolling with DeVito, a guy who went 3-3 as a starter for the Giants last season, completing 64% of his throws for 1,108 yards, eight touchdowns, and three picks. His QBR for the year was a modest 38.3, though he did lead New York to a surprising three-game win streak in November.
Key Analysis
**The DeVito Experiment: More Than Just a Hometown Kid Story**
Thing is, DeVito's stint with the Giants felt more like a made-for-TV movie than a long-term NFL plan. He became a local legend in New Jersey, the undrafted kid from Cedar Grove living with his parents. And he certainly flashed some decent play, particularly in that 31-28 win over Washington on November 19th, where he tossed three touchdowns. But let's be real, his ceiling isn't exactly sky-high. He's got a quick release and some mobility, but his arm strength and ability to consistently push the ball downfield are questions.
This move says a lot about what the Patriots think of Drake Maye's readiness. If they genuinely believe Maye needs a full year to sit and learn, then having a more experienced, albeit journeyman, backup like Dobbs makes sense. He's seen a lot, handled pressure, and could theoretically keep the ship steady for a few games if Maye got hurt or struggled mightily early on. But bumping DeVito, a player who ended up on the waiver wire after the Giants signed Drew Lock, suggests a different philosophy. Maybe they see DeVito as a better fit for a simplified, quick-game offense that could help Maye. Or maybe they just liked what they saw from him in practice. I don't buy it. This feels like a cost-saving measure masquerading as a strategic decision. Dobbs was on a cheap deal, too, but DeVito's rookie contract is even cheaper.
Tactical Breakdown
And that's my hot take: This isn't about DeVito's upside. It's about preserving cap space and accepting a lower floor at QB2.
**Mayo's First Big Personnel Call**
This is Jerod Mayo's first real test as the guy in charge, making a call on a significant roster spot. Trading Mac Jones was a no-brainer. Drafting Maye was the organizational directive. But shaping the depth chart, especially at quarterback, is where Mayo starts to put his stamp on the team. By choosing DeVito over Dobbs, he’s opting for a younger, less experienced, and frankly, less proven option to back up his franchise QB. If Maye goes down, or struggles enough to get benched, the Patriots are putting a lot of faith in the "Tommy Cutlets" phenomenon to somehow translate into consistent NFL wins.
What This Means
I'm telling you, the Patriots' quarterback situation in 2024 will be a rollercoaster. Expect Maye to start by Week 4, and if he misses any time, the DeVito experiment will go sideways quickly.